On Saturday, March 20, the National Kidney Foundation of Florida will host a free health screening for those at risk for kidney disease.
Through the Kidney Early Evaluation Program (KEEP), citizens will be able to receive a free health screening including blood pressure measurement and blood and urine tests valued at $350. The program is designed to identify and educate people that have a family history of kidney disease, risk of diabetes or high blood pressure.
The NKF of Florida is an affiliate of the National Kidney Foundation, Inc., the major non-profit health organization in the U.S. leading the way in the fight against kidney disease.
They will team up with Jennifer Baker, the president of the Omicron Colony of Gamma Sigma Sigma National Service Sorority, to make the effort a success in Tallahassee.
“I sought the opportunity to bring the KEEP screening to this community with their help. They are currently helping us coordinate and promote this event,” said Denise Soto, program manager for the NKF of Florida.
Ernest James, a third-year nursing student from Boston, Mass., said he plans to take full advantage of this opportunity.
“I have never really been sick a day in my life, but I think I am going to get checked out anyway,” said James.
More than 26 million Americans, one in nine adults have chronic kidney disease and most do not know it. In Florida two million people are suffering from chronic kidney disease and 22,000 of them are in kidney failure requiring dialysis treatments for survival. Early detection and treatment, including lifestyle changes and medications may slow or prevent its progression to kidney failure and lessen the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Lacey Solomen, a senior economics student from Atlanta, said she plans to get a free screening because of he family history.
“My great grandmother had it, my grandmother passed away from it and my mother is on dialysis because of it. I have been checked for kidney disease before, but it never hurt to check again and again just to be on the safe side,” Solomen said.
“In the event of a successful turnout and with the help of future interested sponsors, this event could be an annual event,” said Soto. “It all depends on the response that we get from the community and media to help us disseminate our message”.
The screening will be held in the Old Health Department Building 872 W. Orange Ave, Tallahassee, Fla., 32316.