Program areas at National Kidney Foundation of Louisiana
Public health education: education of the public through media campaigns about the causes, symptoms and treatment of Kidney disease through a free patient helpline offering support of people who are affected by Kidney disease including patients, caregivers, organ donors or transplant recipients; the helpline connects those affected by Kidney disease to an informed mentor who can address their concerns with empathy and from experience. The Foundation conducts extensive online, social media and print campaigns throughout the year focusing on "march is Kidney month and "april is donate life month". The campaigns, health fairs, and screenings reach approximately 35% of the state's population.
Patient services: free community based Kidney health screenings for those at high-risk for Kidney disease. Participants receive information regarding the staging of Kidney disease, lab results and recommendations to slow the progression of Kidney disease and have the opportunity to meet with a healthcare professional to discuss onsite test results. Free patient support helpline for patients, caregivers, organ donors and transplant recipients and those affected by Kidney disease. Emergency financial assistance for patients to help with utilities, nutritional supplements, medical supplies and transportation.
Community services: educating the general public about the importance of organ donation, specifically living organ donation, through presentations of "the big ask, the big give". Our signature community based programs mobilize community support and serve as positive reinforcement of the Foundation's ongoing mission to "make lives better" through education, advocacy, empowerment and knowledge on how to live a healthy lifestyle.
Professional education: education of the professional medical community on the treatment of Kidney disease and the status of research thereon. Through various professional symposiums, the Foundation educated over 4,000 medical professionals during this fiscal year.
Research: local grant support for research about human Kidney disease. The support promotes investigations of clinical significance that might not be able to receive funding from the nih or other sources.