American Kidney Fund's Disaster Relief Program Available to Dialysis Patients
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American Kidney Fund offers emergency disaster relief to dialysis patients affected by Gustav Rockville, MD (Vocus) Sept. 3, 2008-- The American Kidney Fund's Disaster Relief Program is ready to provide emergency financial assistance to U.S. dialysis patients affected by Hurricane Gustav (http://www.kidneyfund.org)--as well as to help dialysis patients who may be affected by additional storms as hurricane season reaches its peak.
The American Kidney Fund's Disaster Relief (http://www.kidneyfund.org) Program is a rapid-response system that provides emergency assistance in the form of block grants to local dialysis centers when disaster strikes a community. Dialysis centers then distribute the funds to help their patients replace medications, food and household items and pay for essentials, such as transportation to dialysis if they have been temporarily evacuated. The program's largest effort occurred after Hurricane Katrina, when more than 5,100 Gulf Coast dialysis patients in 12 states received emergency assistance totaling over $260,000 from the American Kidney Fund, thanks to generous donations from the general public and corporations.
"For a patient who depends on regular dialysis for survival, a major storm represents a serious threat to their well-being. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, the American Kidney Fund stands ready to provide emergency assistance to any qualified U.S. dialysis patients who have been impacted by Hurricane Gustav or other disasters," said LaVarne A. Burton, President and CEO of the American Kidney Fund.
The American Kidney Fund does not accept Disaster Relief grant applications directly from patients. Instead, dialysis center social workers may request a block grant to assist their patients by calling the American Kidney Fund at 1-800-638-8299.
The American Kidney Fund is also accepting financial contributions to fund the Disaster Relief Program. Anyone wishing to contribute to disaster relief for dialysis (http://www.kidneyfund.org) patients may visit www.kidneyfund.org to make an online contribution. In addition, contributions are accepted via telephone at 1-800-638-8299. Checks may be mailed to American Kidney Fund, 6110 Executive Boulevard, Suite 1010, Rockville, MD 20852. Please indicate in the memo line that the contribution is for disaster relief.
The American Kidney Fund is the nation's No. 1 source of treatment-related financial assistance to kidney patients and a leader in providing health education to people with or at risk for kidney disease. In 2007, the American Kidney Fund provided treatment-related grants to 68,000 kidney patients totaling more than $100 million. The American Kidney Fund reaches tens of thousands of individuals each year with information about kidney health; operates a kidney disease screening program in high-risk communities; and maintains a toll-free HelpLine (866-300-2900) which provides education about kidney disease. The American Kidney Fund is a six-time recipient of the highest "Four Star" rating from Charity Navigator; holds an A+ rating from the American Institute of Philanthropy; adheres to the National Health Council Standards of Excellence; and is a member of the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance. For more information, visit www.kidneyfund.org.
Media Contact: Tamara Ruggiero, 301-984-6657
To Apply for a Grant: Call 800-638-8299
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