For Release
Mississippi Kidney Foundation
October 1, 2007

The Board of Trustees of the National Kidney Foundation of Mississippi has unanimously voted to disaffiliate from the National Kidney Foundation, effective October 1, 2007.  The organization will hereafter be referred to as the "Mississippi Kidney Foundation, Inc." which was its name beginning in 1967. 

This decision was a response to a plan of restructuring submitted by the national office which, by 2010, would have required Mississippi to join with other neighboring states to form a  division.  The restructuring would have required that the assets of the Mississippi organization be used to cover costs within the division territory , and the national office would have received and distributed the money raised in Mississippi.  Board President, Calvin Wells, stated, "The Board carefully considered the advantages and disadvantages of the division model and determined that it was in the best interest of Mississippi to disaffiliate from the National Kidney Foundation."  He stated that the Board was unanimous in its belief that its assets should be used in the State of Mississippi and that many donors within the state wanted the funds to benefit Mississippi patients.

Executive Director Gail Sweat, said, "We Spoke with many of our sponsors and supporters who encouraged us to disaffiliate and revert back to the Mississippi Kidney Foundation.  This is a very positive step for us and one that will be even more beneficial for kidney patients in Mississippi.  It is our commitment to our Mississippi patients, as well as all Mississippians at risk for kidney disease, that led to our decision to take this action.  The Board of Trustees has advised its supporters and patients of the change in name to the "Mississippi Kidney Foundation, Inc." and asks that parties making gifts and donation to the organization use this name beginning October 1, 2007."