Media
Facts About Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and Kidney Score
Twenty million people in the United States have Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and another twenty million are at risk — more than 100,000 people are now developing chronic kidney failure annually. This number has doubled each decade since 1980.
As kidney disease becomes more and more prevalent throughout the United States, it's critical that early detection and treatment also become part of daily baseline testing.
The earlier kidney disease is detected, the better the chance of slowing or stopping its progression. Of the 90,000 people awaiting organ donation in the United States, two-thirds need a new kidney.
Kidney Score is the best way to measure the level of kidney function and determine stages of kidney disease before later stages of CKD occur.
It's a simple equation that many labs already provide, and that physicians can calculate using the results of blood creatinine test, age, race, gender and other factors. Kidney Score is then used to determine how far along a patient is in the five stages of CKD, according to the National Kidney Foundation.
About the Kidney Score Awareness Campaign
As part of its strategic focus, the National Kidney Foundation of Ohio is undertaking a statewide awareness and education initiative to make the Kidney Score test as common as all of the other baseline health indicators.
Kidney Score is the best test to measure the level of kidney function and determine stages of kidney disease before later stages of CKD occur. Physicians can calculate this number from the results of blood creatinine test, age, race, gender and other factors. Kidney Score is then used to determine how far along a patient is in the five stages of CKD, according to the National Kidney Foundation K/DOQI guidelines. The earlier kidney disease is detected, the better the chance of slowing or stopping its progression.
This initiative will seek to educate health care professionals, media and the general public about a basic test that is essential to determining kidney disease. Key elements to the initiative will be:
- A mass-media campaign to increase awareness of Kidney Score among the general public, including those individuals most at risk.
- A statewide campaign to physicians and other health professionals illuminating the need for Kidney Score testing.
- Creation of materials, including educational booklets, posters for medical offices and clinics, and pocket reference cards to help physicians and health professionals recognize irregular Kidney Score test results.
- Creation of regional Continuing Medical Education (CME) courses to assist in the education process.
- A statewide public relations and media relations campaign to create increased awareness of Kidney Score testing.
The National Kidney Foundation of Ohio is a leader in the fight against kidney disease and has the reputation and resources to make a significant impact throughout the state. In fact, the National Kidney Foundation is looking to Ohio as its pilot Kidney Score awareness program.
Media Contact
There are numerous examples of individuals who found out they had early stages of Chronic Kidney Disease as a result of the Kidney Score test. Interview opportunities are available for those individuals as well as for health care professionals working to educate their patients about the importance of Kidney Score.
For additional information about the Kidney Score initiative or to schedule an interview contact National Kidney Foundation of Ohio Executive Director, Orelle Jackson at 614-481-4030 ext. 227 or .