Community Leaders Find Solution for Kidney Transplant Patients

Fresh off the heals of the  National Kidney Foundation closing the doors to the Buffalo, NY office, community leaders have come together to find a solution for local kidney and transplant patients.  The Northeast Kidney Foundation would be working with local clinicians, patient advocates and transplant professionals to reinstate services no longer available in the community.

Barbara Breckenridge, a kidney transplant recipient, long time patient advocate and former staff of the NKF, is thrilled that a solution is available.  “I know the needs of the patients,” Breckenridge said.  There are so many issues these patients are dealing with, when these services were taken out of the community it was a great loss.”

The Northeast Kidney Foundation, based in Albany, is a former affiliate of the NKF, separating in July.  In the newly created partnership with the Buffalo region, the Foundation will reinstate patient services, continue community screening programs, patient education, community outreach and education, school based programs, and all the services the community has received through the years.  “We are most thrilled that we can say there are no more gaps in service,” said Carol LaFleur, executive director of the Northeast Kidney Foundation.  “At the end of the day, what is most  important is that patients have the resources that they need, and that the Buffalo region knows the great dedication of their community leaders to serving the patients and family members affected by kidney disease.”

Services have already begun to be reinstated, including patient emergency grants and transportation subsidies, and just a few weeks ago a kidney screening was held where more than 40 people came out to learn if they were at risk for kidney disease or exhibiting early signs of the disease. Dr. Brian Murray, a nephrologist and medical director for Erie CountyMedical Center, volunteered at the screening.  “Offering programs like this in the community is so important for those at risk.  What a great experience to be able to talk with people and educate them about a disease that many are unaware that they may have.”  Also volunteering at the kidney screening were Dr. Jennie Hom, a nephrologist at Erie County MedicalCenter, and staff of Upstate New York Transplant Services, who manned the lab station.  “My staff enjoyed it – it gave them an opportunity to get out in the community and put their phlebotomy skills to work and provide a great service to those at risk for kidney disease.  Collaboration has always been the best way to meet the needs of our community, and UNYTS is a proud partner to many and is looking forward to this collaboration,” said Mark Simon, CEO of UNYTS.

While the Northeast Kidney Foundation moves forward with service implementation, community leaders are also keeping an eye on the possibility of creating a locally based organization.  Discussions will continue over the next several months but for now the message is clear – the needs of patients, family members, and clinical professionals will be met through the collaboration with the Northeast Kidney Foundation.

There are several important dates that the community should be aware of.  They include:

January 22, post holiday party for patients and family members

March 3, 2012 – free kidney screening for those at risk of kidney disease, 10 am – 2 pm

March 8, 2012 – World Kidney Day and Gift of Life Celebration, 5 pm

March 9, 2012 – Walk for Kidneys Kickoff Breakfast

June 3, 2012 - Walk for Kidneys

For more information on these activities, please contact Barbara Breckenridge at 716-885-7215 or Carol LaFleur at 518-533-7880 and visit www.healthykidneys.org.