Kidney Disease
In many cases, a person may not notice the physical effects of kidney disease until the disease has progressed significantly. Just "3 Simple Tests", such as testing one's urine for protein, blood for creatinine, and blood pressure, can help identify those at risk, and those needing prompt care. The SCAHP began kidney health education in the spring of 2003. SCAHP, in partnership with the National Kidney Foundation of South Carolina, has initiated a statewide awareness campaign about kidney disease, in addition to offering free kidney screenings and educational materials. The primary focus of the program is to educate community members on early detection of kidney disease and to promote kidney health. The educational session helps participants identify whether they are at risk, how to prevent progression of kidney disease and where to go for care. To date, we have offered eleven educational sessions and screened more than 1200 South Carolinians for kidney disease.
The success of our Kidney Health Education Initiative has been recognized statewide. In June 2005, SCAHP was presented with a 2004-2005 Partnership Award for its ongoing disease management programs, in relation to kidney disease, by the National Kidney Foundation of South Carolina. These programs include:
- Diabetes University 2005, where kidney screenings and education were offered
- Legislative Kidney Health Awareness Day on the Statehouse grounds on April 6, 2005; where over 350 state legislators and staffers enjoyed lunch and learned about the state of kidney disease in South Carolina, the signs and symptoms, risk factors, and how one is screened for kidney disease
- "Chronic Kidney Disease at the Diabetes Symposium," held on April 30, 2005, at which SCAHP sponsored a speaker