Local leaders to learn about kidney treatments

Local leaders to learn about kidney treatments
Rep. Bill Emmerson, R-Redlands, and a representative for Congressman Jerry Lewis will attend
Staff Writer
Article Launched: 08/07/2008 12:03:47 PM PDT

LOMA LINDA - A group of local and state community leaders will learn about kidney disease and treatment options available to local residents during Kidney Disease Awareness and Education Day in the Loma Linda University Medical Center dialysis center Friday, Aug. 8.

The event is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. and conclude at 3:30 p.m.

The following officials will attend: Assemblyman Bill Emmerson, R-Redlands; Larry Grable, director of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's Riverside office, and his wife Anna; Alton L. Garrett Jr., senior adviser to Sen. Barbara Boxer; and Mike Trujillo, public relations director for Rep. Joe Baca from California's 43rd District.

Representatives from the offices of Rep. Mary Bono Mack, R-Palm Springs, and Rep. Jerry Lewis, R-Redlands, are also expected to attend.

According to Jan Anderson, director of dialysis services, "July 1, 2008, marks the 35th anniversary of the national End Stage Renal Disease Program, which made Medicare funds available to provide life-sustaining kidney dialysis and transplantation to nearly all Americans, regardless of age. Loma Linda University Medical Center's dialysis and treatment programs have been part of this important effort for 31 years. In addition to providing facility-based and home dialysis services to adults, Loma Linda is one of a small percentage of dialysis providers nationally who offer pediatric dialysis services."

Anderson said one of the purposes of Kidney Disease Awareness and Education Day is to educate community leaders on the importance of supporting initiatives currently before the U.S. Senate and the House which could improve patient education, treatment access, safety and the overall quality of patient care.

She said Medicare funding is needed to provide screening tests for chronic kidney disease, which is considered a precursor to kidney failure. An estimated 26 million Americans may have chronic kidney disease withhout knowing it, she said.

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