Kidney health organizations, people with kidney disease and medical professionals are asking Congress to move quickly to protect private insurance coverage for people with end stage renal disease (ESRD) by passing the Restore Protections for Dialysis Patients Act.   A bipartisan group of representatives are sponsoring the proposed legislation. The Kidney Foundation of WNY joins the American Society of Nephrology, American Kidney Fund, American Nephrology Nurses Association and others in calling for its passage.   Background   A person reaching ESRD needs dialysis or a kidney tra ..read more

Kidney Foundation of WNY highlights new therapies and standards   During National Kidney Month in March, the Kidney Foundation of Western New York is spotlighting recent breakthroughs in kidney health. The foundation also emphasizes the importance of early detection, especially for people at increased risk of kidney disease.   Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects more than one in seven U.S. adults – about 35.5 million people. Kidney failure was the eighth leading cause of death nationwide in 2023 and is a major contributor to disability among U.S. adults.   New Medications   ..read more

October is recognized nationally as Health Literacy Month, and a group of local agencies is coming together to boost awareness and opportunities to build digital literacy skills, especially as they relate to health and medical care. Three organizations strongly linked to public education and addressing social determinants of health including literacy are joining with the Erie County Department of Health and Literacy Buffalo Niagara to build on last October’s successful awareness campaign. The Buffalo Center for Health Equity, the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library and Erie Niagara Area H ..read more

Jo Lynn DeGolia of Buffalo is in need of a kidney transplant. The 66-year-old's best option is a kidney from a living donor. Jo Lynn suffered from acute kidney injury (AKI) due to chronic kidney stones. Over years, complications reduced the function of her kidneys, also causing side effects including difficult infections and dangerously low blood cell counts. "I long to enjoy a healthy, creative life as a retired teacher, active music enthusiast, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend," she wrote. "I hope for the day that I’m not unwell and can live my life to the fullest." Information about ..read more

In recognition of National Minority Donor Awareness Month, the New York State Department of Health encourages organ, eye and tissue donations in diverse communities. The National Minority Organ Tissue Transplant Education Program founded the observance in 1996 to provide donation education and encourage donor registration in minority communities. "Because of ongoing health disparities, minority communities face higher rates of conditions, such as high blood pressure and heart disease, which can lead to organ failure and the need for a transplant," State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald s ..read more

The American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP) and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics are among the organizations strongly against a proposed FDA rule change. The change being considered would amend the FDA “standard of identity” regulations that specify salt (sodium chloride) as a required or optional ingredient. The proposed rule would give manufacturers the flexibility to use salt substitutes in standardized foods. Such substitutes include potassium-based ingredients. “If finalized, the proposed rule would support efforts to reduce sodium content in standardized foods and may help t ..read more

On June 20, 2023, Nicole celebrated her one year anniversary of a kidney and pancreas transplant at ECMC. Thank you Nicole for sharing your story. My name is Nicole, and I am a 36-year-old single mom of a teenager. I am currently going to school for psychology to become a mental health counselor. My hobbies include going to outdoor concerts, amusement parks, spending time with family and friends, and creating things using old costume jewelry. I was put on the transplant list for a kidney and pancreas on December 17, 2021. I received a call in January but was sent home because the pancreas was ..read more

August is National Minority Donor Awareness Month. This is a collaborative effort to save and improve the quality of life of diverse communities by creating a positive culture of organ, eye and tissue donation. More than 103,000 people are on the national transplant waiting list. Members of racial and ethnic minorities make up 60 percent of those waiting. Every day, 17 people die waiting for a transplant. The need for donation and transplant is more pronounced in minority communities where disproportionately higher rates of diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease contribute to organ f ..read more

Republished from KFF Health News ..read more

Republished from KFF Health News ..read more