Released on: October 8, 2008, 11:15 am

Press Release Author: Greg Walsh

Industry: Non Profit

Press Release Summary: The National Kidney Foundation of Connecticut is enlisting
churches throughout the state to communicate important health warnings to African
Americans. African Americans have a shockingly higher risk of developing kidney
disease versus other groups, and many people don't know they are at risk.

Press Release Body: "My People are destroyed from lack of knowledge" - Hosea 4:6

Rocky Hill, CT - (October 8, 2008) - The National Kidney Foundation of Connecticut
today announced that it is enlisting churches throughout the state to communicate
important health warnings to African Americans.

Terri Smith, Urban Outreach Director for the NKF of CT, explained, "The latest
statistics in Connecticut show that African Americans have a shockingly higher risk
of developing kidney disease versus other groups, and many people don't know they
are at risk. With the assistance of religious leaders in the state and faith-based
organizations, we are able to work with trusted voices that will empower people with
critical information that impacts their health and well-being."

Currently, more than 26 million American adults, or 1 in 8 people, have Chronic
Kidney Disease (CKD) and millions more are at risk. Kim Hathaway, CEO of the NKF of
CT, said, "In Connecticut, we serve more than 4,000 dialysis patients and 750
residents who are waiting for kidney transplants. Although African Americans
represent only 9% of the population in Connecticut, the group makes up 33% of the
dialysis patients and 33% of the kidney transplant list."

According to the National Kidney Foundation, because African-Americans are more
likely to develop Diabetes than other groups, and the overall population of people
with High Blood Pressure has increased, African Americans are prone to have two of
the major factors that lead to the development of kidney disease. If the disease
progresses, the only treatment for kidney failure is dialysis and a transplant.

As part of our faith-based outreach, we are now scheduling workshops and working
with religious leaders throughout the state to educate as many people in the African
American community as we can," Smith continued. "Any organizations that would invite
our participation or desire handout materials for their group, can contact us
directly."

The National Kidney Foundation of Connecticut is pleased to discuss workshops, offer
information, or forward materials to any organization or religious group that is
interested in communicating facts about kidney disease. In addition, NKF of CT
encourages anyone who may be at increased risk for developing kidney disease (anyone
18 years and older with high blood pressure, diabetes or a family history of kidney
disease) to get tested. Free testing sites take place in convenient places
throughout the state. The screening for kidney disease consists of three simple
tests, including blood pressure measurement and blood and urine tests that determine
kidney function. For more information about the Urban Outreach Program or to find a
testing site near you, please call the NKF of CT at 1-800-441-1280 or visit
www.kidneyct.org

About NKF of Connecticut
The NKF is the only voluntary health agency dedicated exclusively to the eradication
of kidney and urinary tract diseases. Supported entirely by donations from
individuals, corporations and foundations, the NKF of Connecticut funds medical
research in the fields of nephrology (kidney disease), transplantation and urology,
and provides education and support services to patients, transplant recipients and
their families and to kidney health professional in Connecticut. With the aid of
funds raised statewide through various programs, the NKF helps thousands of people
across Connecticut, including more than 4,000 dialysis patients and an estimated 750
residents currently waiting for kidney transplants. The NKF has been given a four
star rating from Charity Navigator, the largest charity evaluator in America. For
more information, please visit www.kidneyct.org.


Web Site: http://www.kidneyct.org

Contact Details: Greg Walsh
203-292-6280
gregw@powermarketingpartners.com