Renal Support Network Launches HOPEline

Press Release

Renal Support Network Launches

HOPEline
Kidney Patients Helping Kidney Patients

LOS ANGELES-The Renal Support Network (RSN) announces the implementation of a long-planned centralized toll-free phone line that will allow people affected by Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and their families to call a fellow patient for peer support.

The HOPEline is scheduled to launch September 10, 2007. By calling toll-free (800) 5..., kidney patients who are just beginning their CKD journey or trying to “stay on the path” can speak to knowledgeable, compassionate peer patients and retain their anonymity.

The peer patients go through a training program as telephone operators on the HOPEline. In addition to providing access to resources, they learn how to share their experiences, strengths, and hopes, building confidence in fellow patients and empowering them to be their own advocate in their care.

“Whether you or a family member lives with kidney disease, the support of one friend can make a difference,” says Renal Support Network founder and three-time kidney transplant patient, Lori Hartwell.

Cher Thomas, a kidney transplant recipient, states, “When I was first diagnosed with kidney disease, my family and I were in shock. After living with kidney disease for over a decade, I find the support and knowledge I have gained from other patients has been as valuable as the medical care I have received.”

Twenty million Americans have chronic kidney disease. Over 300,000 people in the United States are on dialysis.

Understanding the importance of peer group interaction, RSN brought together the HOPEline as a tool to support those living with this life-threatening disease.

Psychologists have seen many advantages to the client, the peer and the community with peer-to-peer support. The client is given the opportunity to model after someone he or she has reached out to. Clients are given the opportunity to develop coping skills, become their own healthcare advocate, and enhance their morale because their peer has experienced the same journey and can offer unique compassion and understanding.

As the peer patient gains in feelings of self-worth by sharing valuable experiences and coping skills, he or she is in turn motivated to reach out to others. For many peer patients, this position can help them perfect their skills as a vehicle for career development.

The development of peer patients gets to the grassroots problems of isolation that some kidney patients feel and makes use of the available internet and cell phone networks, allowing those who are in rural communities or house-bound access to valuable information and support. People grow closer together rather than remain in isolation.

The Renal Support Network is a nonprofit, patient-focused, patient-run organization that provides non-medical services to those affected by chronic kidney disease. RSN strives to motivate and assist patients in developing their personal coping skills, special talents, and employability by educating and empowering them (and their family members) to take control of the course and management of their disease. The Renal Support Network values people with kidney disease and helps them become self-sufficient through education, advocacy, and hope for a better tomorrow.

The HOPELine is made possible with support from Roche.

1-800-579-1970 (Thanks Karol for the number)

rsnhope.org