PHOENIX (November 23, 2015) – Path to Wellness, a screening offered through a community collaboration, will host a free health screening, aiming to identify chronic disease in their early stages in those at highest risk. The Path to Wellness screening, open to the public, will be held Saturday, December 5, from 8:00am–1:30pm at First Institutional Baptist Church in Phoenix.
This medical screening includes immediate on-site blood and urine test results and medical education, and is provided at absolutely no cost. The event is staffed with medical professionals, with the ability to screen 200 attendees. Appointments may be scheduled by calling the National Kidney Foundation of Arizona at (602) 840-1644 (English) or (602) 845-7905 (Spanish).
The Path to Wellness program is the product of a community collaboration between the National Kidney Foundation of Arizona, Cardio Renal Society of America and, and Arizona Living Well Institute. Path to Wellness is funded as a result of generous financial support from BHHS Legacy Foundation which is an Arizona charitable organization whose philanthropic mission is to enhance the quality of life and health of those it serves. We also wish to recognize the support provided by Lincoln GIVES, John C. Lincoln Health Network’s Employee Fund.
These screenings are unique in that they try to target areas of cities where the high demographics of underinsured or at-risk individuals may have an opportunity to detect chronic health problems early on, in a cost-free environment. The screenings also offer the unique advantage of both on-site results, and post-screening education on chronic disease management.
“African Americans, Native Americans, Hispanics, and Asian Americans have high rates of diabetes, heart disease, and kidney disease,” says nephrologist Dr. Jean Robey. “African Americans have a higher rate of kidney failure than any other group, nearly four times higher than Caucasians. Minority populations tend to be underinsured and less engaged with health resources, which often means they do not find out until health problems have progressed into a chronic condition. Early screening gives people a chance to prevent health problems and will help prevent complications at a later stage in life.”
Individuals who are 18 years or older and have a family member with diabetes, high blood pressure or chronic kidney disease, OR have high blood pressure or diabetes themselves are urged to attend this important event. Early detection means the possibility of preventing further, life-risking damage to the kidneys. Help is also available with questions about applying for health insurance coverage and finding a doctor or clinic to go to.
About National Kidney Foundation of Arizona | The National Kidney Foundation of Arizona is a state wide non-profit foundation dedicated to providing education about Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and helping kidney disease sufferers overcome the medical, financial and logistical challenges of CKD. In 2013, the Foundation commemorated its 50th anniversary of providing dynamic programs, direct patient support, kidney health initiatives and organ donation awareness. For more information, call (602) 840-1644 or visit www.azkidney.org.
About Cardio Renal Society of America | Cardio Renal Society of America (CRSA) is a nonprofit community healthcare organization whose goal is to help prevent heart and kidney disease through public and professional education and research, thereby reducing the impact of the global burden of these diseases. For more information, visit www.cardiorenalsociety.org.
About Arizona Living Well Institute | The Arizona Living Well Institute is a public-private partnership encompassing all sectors of the healthcare community. The mission of the Living Well Institute is to advance evidence-based programs for Arizona communities through structured communication, multi-level coordination and facilitator coaching. As part of the health education and wellness programs at Empowerment Systems, Inc., the Living Well Institute is committed to developing partnerships with like-minded organizations to contribute to the overall well-being of individuals, families and communities. Visit www.azlwi.org for more information.