American Kidney Fund, Boston Public Health Commission Host First Kidney Action Day

The American Kidney Fund (AKF) and the Boston Public Health Commission will host the inaugural Kidney Action Day at City Hall Plaza in Boston on Tuesday, June 9 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. This free event, which will include kidney health screenings, entertainment, kids’ activities, healthy food samples and fitness demonstrations, is open to the public and will bring together local health advocates, patients and members of the Boston community.

Now in its sixth year nationally and celebrating its first year in Boston, Kidney Action Day draws hundreds of people who are interested in free health screenings and learning about how to protect their kidneys and overall health. The free health screenings at Kidney Action Day will check for indicators of kidney and heart disease, diabetes and other important health measures. Screenings are open to anyone 18 and order.

“Chronic kidney disease is a serious health concern in Boston, and we are pleased to work with many local organizations and individuals to bring Kidney Action Day to the community,” said LaVarne A. Burton, president and CEO of the American Kidney Fund. “We are anticipating hundreds of local residents and visitors to join us and take proactive steps to protect their health. Chronic kidney disease is often preventable, and we hope that this event will raise awareness among people who are at highest risk.”

Kidney disease is the 8th leading cause of death in Massachusetts, with nearly 6,400 Bay State residents depending on dialysis for survival. Most often caused by diabetes and high blood pressure, kidney disease often has no symptoms until the late stages. Other major risk factors include having a family history of the disease, having heart disease, being age 60 or older, and being of African-American, Asian-American, Native-American or Hispanic descent.

Left undiagnosed and untreated, chronic kidney disease can lead to a heart attack, stroke, kidney failure and death - but with early detection and appropriate medical treatment, the impact of chronic kidney disease on an individual’s health can be greatly reduced.

The American Kidney Fund is the nation’s largest nonprofit serving people with, and at-risk for, kidney disease. In 2014, AKF provided $1.9 million in treatment-related assistance in Massachusetts, allowing low-income dialysis patients to maintain access to critical healthcare.

Kidney Action Day is made possible through the generous support of presenting national sponsor American Renal Associates and national sponsor U.S. Renal Care Inc., along with other friends in the communities AKF serves. For more information on Boston Kidney Action Day, visit http://www.kidneyfund.org/kidney-action-day/locations/boston.html.

About the American Kidney Fund

The American Kidney Fund is dedicated to ensuring that every kidney patient has access to health care, and that every person at risk for kidney disease is empowered to prevent it. As the nation’s largest not-for-profit organization serving people with kidney disease, AKF has helped more than 1 million low-income dialysis patients access lifesaving medical care since its founding in 1971. Last year, AKF helped 1 in 5 of the nation’s dialysis patients pay for their treatment-related expenses, providing grants to more than 84,000 people in all 50 states. Thirty-one million Americans are living with kidney disease, and 1 in 3 are at risk. To address this enormous public health threat, AKF provides many vital programs and services, including public and professional health education materials and courses, the Kidney Action Day® community outreach program, a nationwide Advocacy Network, and a toll-free health information HelpLine (866.300.2900). AKF depends on the generosity of the American public to carry out its mission. Spending 97 cents of every donated dollar on programs and services, AKF consistently receives the highest ratings from the nation’s charity watchdog groups. For more information, please visit KidneyFund.org, or connect with AKF on Facebook and Twitter