WASHINGTON, March 13 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Kidney Care Partners (KCP) -- an alliance of patient advocates, dialysis professionals, care providers and manufacturers working together to improve quality of care for individuals with kidney disease and kidney failure -- today recognized World Kidney Day, a day dedicated to educating the public about chronic disease prevention and education. Chronic, non-communicable diseases, particularly kidney disease, are on the rise world-wide, becoming a leading public health risk across the globe and driving up public healthcare costs.
In light of this alarming public health trend, KCP is urging Congress to support legislation that enables improved access to high-quality kidney care and creates critical patient education programs for those at risk of facing kidney failure. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), when left untreated, will progress to End State Renal Failure (ESRD), commonly known as kidney failure. ESRD is an irreversible condition which is fatal without a kidney transplant or lifesaving dialysis treatments. Currently, more than 400,000 Americans suffer from ESRD and that number is expected to double in the next decade.
"In the United States alone, 26 million Americans suffer from kidney disease, and the rising rates of widespread kidney disease risk factors -- such as diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure -- are driving those numbers higher," said Dr. Edward Jones, Chairman of KCP. "The most effective way to slow the rapidly growing incidence of kidney disease in America is through early detection and education. We encourage lawmakers to recognize this public health crisis and the need for legislation that provides solutions, such as the Kidney Care Quality and Education Act."
The Kidney Care Quality and Education Act (S. 691 and H.R. 1193), introduced in Congress last year, would establish programs to educate patients about kidney disease risk factors, and teach them how to better manage their condition to help delay the onset of kidney failure. Such programs can help stem the rising tide of kidney disease in the United States, as well as ensure that kidney dialysis patients have continued access to quality care.
To learn more about the Kidney Care Quality and Education Act and how it would improve kidney care in the U.S., visit http://www.kidneycarepartners.com/kcp_act.html.
World Kidney Day is celebrated in 70 countries and six continents. Events will take place around the World to educate the public about the importance of kidney health and disease prevention. To learn more about World Kidney Day, please visit http://www.worldkidneyday.org/.
About Kidney Care Partners
Kidney Care Partners is an alliance of patient advocates, dialysis professionals, providers and manufacturers working together to improve the quality of care for individuals with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD).
Kidney Care Partners
