Legislators, Activists to Unite on World Kidney Day

Name: Facebook.com Phone: Twitter: @NKF Email: www.kidney.org

City, State – Representatives and activists will join together to address kidney disease and organ donation at the [Location] State Capitol on World Kidney Day, March 10, 2016.

Kidney Day at the Capitol will include free public screenings and information sessions provided by the National Kidney Foundation (NKF), [Volunteer Group], and [Volunteer Group].

More than 26 million Americans have kidney disease, but most don’t realize it because the disease often goes without symptoms until late in its progression. About [State- specific statistic] rely on dialysis due to kidney failure, and over [State-specific statistic] are registered on the kidney transplant waiting list in the state.

“If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, are over 60 years old, or have a family history of kidney failure, you should have your kidney function tested,” said [Governor]. “Early detection and, if necessary, medical intervention can often delay the onset of kidney disease and kidney failure.”

Kidney Day at the Capitol will begin with a proclamation from the Governor at [time] and will continue through the day with activities and information sessions in both the House and Senate. Blood pressure checks and kidney health information will be provided between [times] at [location]

For more information on Kidney Day at the Capitol, contact [Local Staff Contact] at [Phone number] or [E-mail].

Kidney Disease Facts:

 1 in 3 American adults is at high risk for developing kidney disease today.  High blood pressure, diabetes, a family history of kidney failure and being over 60 are major risk factors for developing kidney disease.  1 in 9 American adults has kidney disease -- and most don't know it.  Early detection and treatment can slow or prevent the progression of kidney disease.  Kidney disease risk can be reduced by controlling blood pressure and blood sugar, quitting smoking, regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding excessive use of pain medications.

The National Kidney Foundation is the leading organization in the U.S. dedicated to the awareness, prevention and treatment of kidney disease. For more information, visit www.kidney.org.