CLIENT SERVICES Información en Español Click Here for Client Events
Kidney Early Evaluation Program (KEEP)
The National Kidney Foundation of the Virginias offers free kidney health evaluations through its signature client program, KEEP. Over 4,700 Virginians and West Virginians have been tested by medical professionals since the establishment of KEEP in 2002, two-thirds of whom were found to have distinct markers for kidney disease. Anyone 18 years of age or older who has diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney disease should be examined as soon as possible. Early detection is the key to slowing or preventing the progression of kidney disease to kidney failure. KEEP is dedicated in part to prevention education; physicians and nurse practictioners answer any questions partipants may have about the testing process, and are able to provide doctor referrals for follow-up care, if needed. See our Client Events calendar to find out when KEEP will be held in your community. You can pre-register for KEEP by calling our Client Programs Department at (804) 288-8342 , or you can email us. Please be sure to include your name, address, and phone number. |
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See a video with Nephrologist and Foundation Board Member Sandy Gibson, MD, as he encourages Virginians to get educated and get tested.
Kidney Support Groups
The Foundation's Kidney Support Groups provide a monthly educational forum for anyone with a connection to kidney disease, whether patient, organ donor, transplant recipient, family member or friend. Meetings address matters to be considered in the event of diagnosis, ranging from dietary challenges to treatment options. Membership is completely free; members are are simply requested to volunteer with the Foundation when they are able. Click here for meeting times and locations.
Medical ID Jewelry
Dialysis patients and transplant recipients in our service area can purchase medical alert jewelry from the Kidney Foundation of the Virginias for only $6. Click here for a downloadable application that can be filled out and faxed or mailed to our Richmond office.
Client Assistance Program
The Client Assistance Program provides financial assistance to those in our service area who are affected by chronic kidney and/or urologic disease. These funds offer relief from unusual or unexpected expenses which may impact the continuity of medical care. Priority is given to applications addressing dental, medication and/or transportation needs. We offer two types of assistance: nutrient supplements assistance (up to $100) which can be applied for once a year, and larger assistance (from $101 to $500) which is a lifetime award.
In order to be considered for client assistance, an application must be completed and submitted by the dialysis or transplant social worker. All funds are then approved or denied by a volunteer Review Committee of Virginia/West Virginia Kidney Social Workers.
Click here to read our program policy and guidelines.
Click here for a downloadable Client Assistance application.
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In 2006, the Foundation visited six schools in the Richmond area as part of our Teen Wellness Educational Partnership Initiative with the Medical College of Virginia and Commonwealth of Virginia Health System. Through interactive presentations and compelling lectures, our Kidneys in the Classroom (KIC) program educated over 250 high school students about kidney disease prevention. We hope to extend the program to county schools in the near future. |
Informational Brochures
We provide a variety of brochures regarding kidney disease and related issues. While some organizations may charge a fee for brochures, our goal is to give patients free access to them. These brochures are often distributed at our events, made available at dialysis centers and doctors' offices, and some can be downloaded in .pdf format from the National Kidney Foundation website with the use of Acrobat Reader, a free download from Adobe.com
Our brochures can be ordered for personal use, distribution at special events, or placement at kidney disease treatment centers and other health-related settings. Dialysis centers, physicians' offices, and other entities with financial means will be charged as follows: The first 25 brochures (per title) will be free of charge upon request each year. There will be a charge for additional brochures (per title). The cost will be determined by the brochure(s) you request. Click here for a downloadable brochure order form.
Online Links to Patient Support Resources
Patient & Family Council
www.kidney.org/patients
This group works to ensure that kidney disease patients receive the highest possible care. The website includes news, programs, publications, resources, and membership information.
American Association of Kidney Patients
www.aakp.org
A voluntary organization providing education and support to patients with kidney disease, the AAKP offers information pertaining to help books, support groups and informational materials. The website also includes online copies of AAKP's RENALIFE magazine.