The National Kidney Foundation of Georgia (“NKFG”) is dedicated to preventing kidney and urinary tract diseases, improving the health and well-being of individuals and families affected by these diseases, and increasing the availability of all organs for transplantation.  Across Georgia, the Foundation brings hope to more than one million people affected by kidney disease through research, patient services, public information, professional education and organ donation programs.  NKFG patient services programs include:

• Camp Independence – an annual seven-day medically supervised camping experience held each summer for children ages 6-18 with kidney disease and organ transplants (kidney, heart, liver and lung).

• KEEP (Kidney Early Evaluation Project) – a free screening program designed to identify individuals at increased risk for kidney failure and refer them for medical services.

• Health Fairs and Community Outreach – throughout the state, NKFG staffers and volunteers assist in raising awareness on organ donation and transplantation and educating the public about the warning signs of kidney disease.

• Nephrology & Transplantation Update – an annual professional conference held each fall for physicians, nurses, dietitians, social workers and dialysis technicians focusing on the problems facing kidney patients.

• Team Georgia – team members are solid organ and bone marrow transplant recipients who compete in the U.S. Transplant Games, an Olympic-style athletic competition held every other year.  Members and supporters work year round to increase organ donor awareness. 

Chronic kidney disease is an epidemic in Georgia, with over 950,000 are affected by the disease and over 12,000 individuals on some type of dialysis.  The majority of dialysis patients undergo hemodialysis three times per week, and each treatment session typically lasts four hours.

The incidence of life-threatening end-stage kidney disease is increasing at a rate of more than eight percent per year.  Risk factors include high blood pressure, diabetes, and having a relative with kidney disease.  African-Americans are four times more likely to have kidney disease than Caucasians.  More than 2,000 Georgians are awaiting organ transplants, yet only one in three will receive the organ they so desperately need.

For more information about your kidneys and kidney disease, organ donation, or how you can help, contact the National Kidney Foundation of Georgia at (770) 452-1539 or toll-free at 1-800-633-2339.