Patient Programs and Services
The National Kidney Foundation of Louisiana, with additional funding from the New Orleans’ Kidney Patient Association (NOKPA), has raised over $13,500,000.00 to implement the following statewide programs:
Kidney Early Evaluation Program (KEEP) – KEEP is a FREE health screening program designed to identify individuals at increased risk for kidney disease and encourage them to seek further evaluation and follow-up from a physician. Numerous studies have shown that uncontrolled diabetes and/or hypertension are associated with an increased risk of developing kidney disease. Evidence also supports the view that there may be a familial predisposition for risk of developing kidney disease. Based on this information, it appears that screening individuals who are hypertensive or diabetic, or who have family members with these conditions and/or kidney disease, is a productive way of identifying a high percentage of people who may be at increased risk.
Crisis Intervention Fund (CIF) — The Crisis Intervention Fund is administered by the National Kidney Foundation of Louisiana and funded in part, through NOKPA. A patient applies for a grant through his social worker who submits an application to the NKFL. You can review the Pt Guidelines for CIF to see if you qualify before submitting an application. The crisis application requires the patient’s financial information (i.e., monthly income and expenses) along with the intended use for the funds being requested. In order to qualify the patient should be experiencing an unplanned crisis that has caused a one-time financial burden. While most patients use their grant for medical supplies or medicine, the utilization of these monies is not limited to medical needs. In fact, many indigent patients need the funds simply to make ends meet — for utility charges, car repairs or a new pair of glasses. You many download the patient guidelines and the application here. Your social worker or clinic administrator is responsible for completing Section three and submitting to the NKFL office.
Kidneys in the Classroom – A role-play presentation for students in grade 3 – 5 teaches them about kidney disease and organ donation.
Captain Kidney Coloring Books – These books are used in conjunction with Kidneys in the Classroom. They are very popular at health fairs – distributed at over 30 health fairs each year throughout the state. They are also used during the Halloween season as treats and distributed through the state.
Summer Camp – Every year the National Kidney Foundation of Louisiana sends young patients from across the state to a very special camp. The camp is unique. It is designed and run just for children suffering from kidney failure. Dedicated doctors, nurses, and even dietitians volunteer their time to meet the special medical needs of these kids. At camp each child is encouraged to do his or her personal best…wheel chairs, crutches, and even blindness no longer make them feel ‘different’.
Francisco “Frank” M. Gonzalez Memorial Research Fund – Supporting research is one of the major goals of the NKFL and the Medical Advisory Board has raised a large enough endowment in its research fund to provide annual, competitive, peer-reviewed research funding for programs in the state of Louisiana. In January of each year, we post annual requests for proposals for research funding from institutions and organizations within the state of Louisiana. Proposals are reviewed on their scientific merit by an independent review board.
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