First Annual 'Kidney Health Fair on the Hill' March 3 will Spotlight Kidney Health Education and Disease Prevention

ROCKVILLE, Md., March 2, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Kidney Fund (AKF) and the Congressional Kidney Caucus will team up to draw attention to kidney health on March 3 on Capitol Hill in commemoration of National Kidney Month. The first annual "Kidney Health Fair on the Hill" kicks off at noon in the foyer of the Rayburn House Office Building with education about risk factors, free health screenings, kidney-healthy snacks and fun activities. The event is open to the public.

Kidney disease affects as many as 31 million Americans, most of whom are not even aware they have it, and chronic kidney disease is the nation's ninth leading cause of death.

"The members of the Congressional Kidney Caucus are natural partners for the American Kidney Fund in our efforts to spotlight kidney health and the importance of disease prevention and early detection," said LaVarne A. Burton, AKF president and chief executive officer. "We share a common goal of reducing the incidence of chronic kidney disease, and this first annual Kidney Health Fair on the Hill will help us get the word out that in many cases, kidney disease can be prevented."

A brief program at 1 p.m. will feature Burton; kidney patient-advocate and Annapolis, Md., radio personality Olivia Fox; Rep. Jim McDermott (D-WA), co-founder of the Congressional Kidney Caucus; and Rep. Sheila Jackson-Lee (D-TX), who is also a member of the Congressional Black Caucus.

About the Congressional Kidney Caucus

The bipartisan Congressional Kidney Caucus was founded by Reps. Jim McDermott and Mark Kirk (R-IL) in March 2002. The purpose of the caucus is to educate members of Congress and the public about the problem kidney disease poses for our society and to educate members of Congress and the public about the federal government's singular role in providing access to life-sustaining treatment for those Americans with the severest form of chronic kidney disease (CKD), stage 5 CKD.

About the American Kidney Fund

The American Kidney Fund fights kidney disease through direct financial support to patients in need, health education and prevention efforts. It leads the nation in charitable assistance to dialysis patients: last year, 101,000 people—1 out of every 4 U.S. dialysis patients—received assistance from the American Kidney Fund for health insurance premiums and other treatment-related expenses. The American Kidney Fund also fights kidney disease through public awareness campaigns, free health screenings, health education materials and courses, online outreach, and toll-free health information HelpLine (866-300-2900). For more information, visit www.kidneyfund.org.

SOURCE American Kidney Fund