National Kidney Foundation of Michigan, Inc.

Programs: Public education: chronic kidney disease is a public health problem of epidemic proportions. More than 940,000 michigan adults have ckd and most don't know it. The majority of these cases are caused by uncontrolled diabetes or high blood pressure. Minority populations and those with a family history of ckd are also at high risk. The nkfm's top priority is prevention so the foundation offers many programs aimed at educating high risk populations on their risks for ckd and how behavior and lifestyle changes can prevent them from developing ckd. These programs serve children and adults for free across the state. In addition, the nkfm works directly with the state of michigan to implement the state kidney plan. Organ donation education is a key element of the foundations's work. The foundation is the top resource to the public and media about the significant problem of ckd in michigan and offers more programs and services to more people than any other region or state.

patient services: the foundation provides direct services to several thousand individuals each year. Services in this area are delivered, primarily, to individuals on dialysis or with a transplant and their families. The foundation provides services to help with emergency needs and prescription medication as well as empowerment and continuing education programs. Services include a prescription drug bank, medical identification bracelets, emergency funds and an information and referral program that serves thousands each year. The foundation also offers scholarships to people on dialysis or with a transplant to help them continue their education. The nkfm also offers a peer mentoring program which matches individuals who have positively adjusted to ckd to new ckd patients and family members who are struggling to have a good quality of life.

community services: the nkfm offers various screening and health education programs through out the state to help identify and treat early kidney disease in those people at the highest risk for developing ckd so they can prevent or delay its onset. The nkfm also offers a number of volunteer opportunities for people looking to get involved with the foundation through either the state office in ann arbor or the branch offices in detroit, flint and grand rapids. The nkfm has developed a significant advocacy program to speak on behalf of the needs of people with kidney disease and in need of organ transplants.

all other achievements: the nkfm's focus on preventing or slowing the progression of ckd allows us to educate the public as well as professionals. This is done through various seminars, publications, treatment guidelines and other materials. The agency works with managed care organizations to encourage proactive identification and treatment of people with ckd and offers worksite education. The organization was recognized for its success in sound fiscal management by receiving a 4-star rating, eight years in a row, from charity navigator - the nation's leading charity evaluator. Only 1% of charities rated have received at least eight consecutive 4-star evaluations, indicating that national kidney foundation of michigan outperforms most other charities in america.