The mission of the Mississippi Kidney Foundation, chartered in
1965, is to serve Mississippi kidney patients by providing
quality programs and services, to provide public education and
screening to promote the prevention of kidney disease, and to
promote organ donation throughout the state.
Education: Sharing the Latest Information
REAP (Renal Evaluation & Assessment Program)
This is a free screening program designed to identify individuals at
increased risk for kidney disease. Partnering with Quest Diagnostics, tests
include a full renal panel, complete blood count
and cholesterol check. Additional tests include
blood pressure, blood sugar and urinalysis For
the date of the next REAP screening, call the MS
Kidney Foundation at 601.981.3611.
Screening
volunteers, from left, Erika Payne, Ella Jackson, Dr. Ami Patel, Gloria
Thompson, Brenda Hobson, and Brenda Dyson, pictured with Floyd Womack (a.k.a.
"Pork Chop"), who plays football for the Seattle Seahawks.
Kidney Disease: The "Silent" Disease...Are You
at Risk?
The Mississippi Kidney
Foundation has printed 80,000 brochures designed
to target those at risk of kidney disease. These
brochures have been sent to over 80 nurse
practitioners and medical clinics across the
state. If you would like to order some of these
free brochures, please call the MS Kidney
Foundation at (601) 981-3611. Grants were
received from Centocor Ortho Biotech and Genzyme
to assist with the cost of the printing.
Organ Donor Awareness
Give the gift of life! Your next of kin has the final say, so please discuss your wishes with your family.
It is estimated that 35% of potential donors never became organ donors because
their family members refused to consent.
Patient Workshops
We sponsor several informative and educational workshops annually for
patients and their families. Every August we sponsor, along with Network 8, an
Annual Patient Meeting for patients and family members. We also sponsor an annual family picnic
in the summer.
Kidney Connection Quilt
A friend or family member can send in a quilt square in honor or in memory of
a kidney patient or donor.
Patient Services: Improving the Quality of Life
Patient Emergency Fund
Funds raised by dialysis units for the Kidney Walk are held for patient
emergencies, including assistance with medications, utilities, transportation, etc.
Transplant Emergency Fund
Working with the
Transplantation Program at UMC, this fund
provides assistance for transplant patients who
have emergency needs such as transportation
assistance for follow-up clinics or other needs
associated with the health and well-being of
these transplanted patients.
"Investing in Your
Future" Program
Effective April 1, 2010,
the Mississippi Kidney Foundation implemented a pilot
program designed to encourage Mississippi dialysis
patients or kidney transplant patients to obtain their
GED. We are looking for those patients who are willing
and committed to "invest in their future." Not only will
the patient feel a sense of pride, but obtaining their
GED could open doors leading to college and work
opportunities. The Mississippi Kidney Foundation will
pay the $40 GED test fee. Once the patient passes the
GED, the MKF will give the patient an incentive award of
$250. For more information, contact your social worker
or call the MKF at 1-800-232-1592.
Congratulations to Preston Butts, a 28 year old dialysis
patient in Hattiesburg, who just passed his GED!
Preston is our first
"Investing in Your Future" participant. His advice to
other GED candidates..."Go to the FREE GED
classes! It really helps."
Southern Comforts of
Mississippi Cookbook
This newly designed cookbook is for kidney patients and their families. It is
provided free to Mississippi residents; out-of-town residents may purchase the
cookbook for $10. Please see your dietitian for your free cookbook.
Forward Bound
This vocational rehabilitation program for young adult kidney patients, ages 18-38,
is held in the Fall at Jacobs Camp in Utica, MS. A highlight of the
retreat is the Ropes Course designed by First
Steps Training & Development.
Comments from Forward Bound Participants: “I want to thank God for Forward Bound because it gives you a time to reflect
on your life and how good God has been.” “Everybody has a different story. I’ve been through the highs and the lows. It’s
nice to know you are not in this alone.”
“This weekend was one of the most wonderful, most enjoyable times of my life.”
“The Forward Bound staff was wonderful and kind; I was surprised how well I was
treated.”
“I don’t know how much the Ropes Course cost, but it was worth every penny!”
“We need to stay longer next time because it is such a stress reliever.”
“I really had a very good time, meeting new people, learning about the different
types of dialysis, and talking about the possibility of going back to work.”
"Being here at
Forward Bound has been a wonderful experience, much more than I
expected. The stories I've heard help me to realize how lucky
and blessed I am. It makes me feel not so alone in my fight for
my life as long as I keep sharing and talking with the people I
have met."
Nutritional Supplement Program
In an effort to address some
nutritional needs of end stage renal disease patients, the MS Kidney Foundation
provides a nutritional supplement to dialysis units across the state. ProMod,
a concentrated liquid, is given to patients with dangerously low albumin levels
and is administered during their dialysis treatments.
Pediatric Nephrology Christmas
Party
The MS Kidney
Foundation sponsors an annual Christmas party
for pediatric nephrology patients at UMC. Family
members are invited to attend, along with their
children who are pre-CKD, on dialysis, or
transplanted. Gifts and food provide a nice
break for these patients during the holiday
season.
2009
Pediatric Nephrology Party Cancelled
* The
Influenza Task Force of the Blair E. Batson Hospital is
not recommending gathering for holiday parties this
year. We are so sorry, but we are looking forward to
next year's party!
Public Policy Advocacy
The Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Task Force, which was authorized by Senate
Bill 2882 during the 2006 session of the Mississippi Legislature, allows the
Mississippi Kidney Foundation to continue to take an active role in public
policy advocacy. Through professional symposiums and educational materials for
primary care physicians, the Mississippi Kidney Foundation is committed to early
diagnosis and effective treatment of CKD.
Professional Advisory Board
This group, consisting of renal social workers, nurses, and dieticians, helps
to plan and implement programs and patient services.
The Kidney Connection Patient Newsletter
Published twice a year, this newsletter features human interest stories about
kidney patients and highlights programs and services provided by the MS Kidney
Foundation. To request that your name by added to our newsletter list, please
call the MS Kidney Foundation at 1-800-232-1592.
Patient Calendar
Distributed every October, the "Kidney Connection Calendar" features
kidney-friendly recipes, nutritional tips and other bits of wisdom for kidney
patients. To request a free 2009 Kidney Connection Calendar, please call the
MS Kidney Foundation at 1-800-232-1592.
Medic Identification Jewelry
Medical Alert bracelets or necklaces are available for kidney patients at the
reduced rate of $4. Ask your Social Worker for details.
Patient and Family
Picnic
An outgrowth of past support
groups, the annual picnic, held each year in Jackson, is
a fun time for patients and their families to take a
break from dialysis schedules and come together for
food, fun and fellowship. This year's picnic was held on
May 30th at the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame Museum
with approximately 400 in attendance, the largest group
ever. Next year's picnic will be at the Mississippi Ag
Museum.
Mississippi Toll-Free Number
To increase accessibility for Mississippi patients, 1-800-232-1592
For more information about any of
the programs or services provided by the Mississippi Kidney Foundation, please contact: Lynda Richards, Director of Patient Services
(601) 981-3611 or toll-free 1-800-232-1592.