LUTHERVILLE, Md. – The National Kidney Foundation Serving Maryland and Delaware (NKF-MD-DE)will hold a free KEY (Kidneys: Evaluate Yours) screening at the 8th Hispanic Health Festival & Resources event taking place Saturday, Sept. 30, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Heritage Community Church (8146 Quarterfield Rd., Severn, Md. 21144).
As part of the Foundation’s mission of early detection and early intervention, KEY screenings identify early markers for kidney disease, as well as high blood pressure and diabetes. No appointments are needed for the screening and any adult can participate.
Lasting about 20 minutes, the screening includes blood pressure and weight checks, as well as counseling with a doctor and dietitian. Additionally, blood tests may be given to those needing to have their blood sugar and kidney function checked.
“Hispanics are 1½ times more likely to have kidney failure compared to other Americans,” said Pattie Dash, executive director of the National Kidney Foundation Serving Maryland and Delaware. “It’s important we spread this message and educate this key target audience attending the KEY screening at the 8th Hispanic Health Festival & Resources event.”
Overall, Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) affects 30 million people – 15 percent of the U.S. adult population and 96 percent of those with early kidney disease (stages 1 and 2) don’t even know they have CKD. In fact, 25 percent of the 1,170 people screened in 2016 by NKF-MD-DE demonstrated significant results.
For more information about this KEY screening or other upcoming outreach events in Maryland and Delaware, visit www.kidneymd.org or call 410.494.8545.
About NKF
The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) is the largest, most comprehensive and longstanding organization dedicated to the awareness, prevention and treatment of kidney disease. For more information, visit www.kidney.org.
