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Women In Government's Efforts to Fight Chronic Kidney Disease Highlighted at National Renal Physicians Association Meeting

Posted on: Monday, 26 June 2006, 09:00 CDT

WASHINGTON, June 26 /PRNewswire/ -- The successful efforts of Women In Government, a non-profit, bi-partisan organization representing women state legislators, to raise awareness of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and prevention opportunities with policy measures were highlighted this past weekend at the Renal Physicians Association's fourth annual Nephrology Coverage Advisory Panel Forum held in Denver, Colorado. Michigan State Senator Beverly Hammerstrom, immediate past chair for Women In Government's board of directors, outlined the organization's work to improve early detection and management of the disease to the group of leading renal healthcare providers and advocates from around the country.

"Twenty million Americans are affected by chronic kidney disease and the prevalence of kidney failure is likely to double by 2010, making this one of the most serious -- and costly -- health problems facing our states," said Sen. Hammerstrom. "Through Women In Government's Chronic Kidney Disease Policy Resource Center, states are increasingly advancing policies and awareness in support of early detection and management of chronic kidney disease."

Sen. Hammerstrom, who is tackling this issue in Michigan, noted that, in 2006, 28 states introduced policy initiatives targeting improved CKD detection and management as a result of Women In Government's efforts. Examples of state-level efforts include bills and resolutions to create statewide CKD task forces, conduct awareness efforts, and develop disease management programs for Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries and other programs.

CKD affects 20 million people in the U.S., with another 20 million Americans at a potentially increased risk. Americans with diabetes, hypertension or with a family history of diabetes, hypertension or kidney failure are at risk for CKD, as are people with heart disease. In addition, older Americans, Asian-Americans, African-Americans, American Indians, and Hispanic-Americans are CKD risk groups that deserve special attention. Early detection is essential in preventing the progression of kidney disease to kidney failure, yet many Americans remain unaware of the disease and its risk factors.

Women In Government's Chronic Kidney Disease Policy Resource Center was launched in December 2005 to support state legislative and outreach activity surrounding CKD, and serves as a clearinghouse of information and educational materials for state legislators. Policymakers can access Women In Government's Resource Center on the web at http://www.womeningovernment.org/kidney, by email at kidney@womeningovernment.org, or by calling toll-free, 1-888-333-0164.

About Women In Government

Women In Government is a national, 501(c)(3), non-profit, bi-partisan organization of women state legislators providing leadership opportunities, networking, expert forums and educational resources to address and resolve complex public policy issues. For more information, visit http://www.womeningovernment.org/.

CONTACT: Kirtana Kalavapudi 888-333-0164 kkalavapudi@womeningovernment.org

Women In Government

CONTACT: Kirtana Kalavapudi of Women In Government, 1-888-333-0164, orkkalavapudi@womeningovernment.org

Web site: http://www.womeningovernment.org/

Source: PRNewswire

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