The Campaign for Kidney Health

TMF Health Quality Institute and a dynamic, statewide network of health care stakeholders are collaborating to take on chronic kidney disease (CKD). Together, we’ll educate at-risk patients, and we’ll promote timely screenings and preventive measures to head off this disease.

As the prevalent causes of CKD – especially diabetes and hypertension – are on the rise, so is the number of patients affected by kidney damage. Texas has 1.82 million patients with diabetes and 4.9 million with high blood pressure. Thousands are living with undiagnosed diabetes. With these conditions, it is imperative at-risk patients are routinely screened for CKD, and those diagnosed with the disease receive adequate management to delay the disease’s progression.

Early screening and education for patients will save lives. The early stages of CKD often have no outward symptoms, and damage to the kidneys is irreversible. Our goal is to make statewide gains on the following measures:

• Timely testing of urine microalbumin to identify early kidney failure due to diabetes
• Prescription of an ACE inhibitor and/or angiotensin receptor blocking (ARB) agent to slow the progression of CKD in patients with diabetes and hypertension
• Increased use of the Arteriovenous fistula (AV fistula) as first choice for individuals who elect hemodialysis as their treatment for kidney failure

Underserved Populations Are More At-Risk

Studies show ethnic minority populations are more likely to develop kidney failure, particularly African-Americans (four times more likely than Caucasians) and Hispanics (twice as likely). Various complex cultural and socio-economic factors affect these outcomes. TMF staff can help you close the gap in these outcomes with culturally appropriate communications tools and training providing care that is sensitive to your patients’ health beliefs.

Contact Us

Campaign for Kidney Health
KidneyHealth@tmf.org
1-866-439-8863