#United States #Washington D.C. #Kidney Health #National Kidney Foundation #Healthy.io

National Kidney Foundation and Healthy.io Join Forces for Free Kidney Health Testing

In a landmark initiative to promote kidney health, the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) and Healthy.io are joining forces to offer free kidney health testing at the upcoming Kidney Health Expo on Capitol Hill, scheduled for March 13. This event is timely, coinciding with World Kidney Day, and aims to emphasize the critical importance of early detection and proactive care for chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Raising Awareness on World Kidney Day

The Kidney Health Expo will focus on this year’s theme, "Detect Early, Protect Kidney Health," which speaks to the pressing need for public awareness about CKD. The initiative will gather lawmakers, healthcare professionals, and individuals at risk of kidney disease, all coming together to advocate for better diagnosis rates and legislative action to support kidney health.

Chronic kidney disease is often insidious, developing silently over years without noticeable symptoms. In fact, one in three adults is at risk of developing CKD, yet alarmingly, only 20% undergo the recommended albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR) test, a vital measure in assessing kidney health.

The Cost of Inaction

The lack of awareness and underdiagnosis of CKD has become a national health crisis, leading to more hospitalizations, cardiovascular complications, and even increased reliance on dialysis. With kidney disease recognized as one of the leading causes of death—costing Medicare a staggering $136 billion annually—the need for effective policies and improved health care models is more pressing than ever.

To combat this, NKF and Healthy.io will distribute innovative at-home kidney test kits during the expo. Utilizing Healthy.io’s Minuteful Kidney™ test—the first and only FDA-cleared, smartphone-powered at-home uACR test—participants can evaluate their kidney health from the comfort of home. This groundbreaking approach aims to eliminate traditional barriers to care, empowering individuals to take charge of their health.

Revolutionary Testing at Home

The Minuteful Kidney™ test allows at-risk individuals to conduct clinical-grade tests and receive instant results about their kidney health. By simplifying the testing process, the initiative underscores the importance of early detection as a lifesaving measure, highlighting the critical role of policy innovation to improve CKD management.

Kevin Longino, CEO of the National Kidney Foundation and a kidney transplant recipient, emphasizes the urgency of this cause: "Chronic kidney disease is a silent epidemic affecting millions of Americans, yet far too many go undiagnosed until it reaches advanced stages. We are proud to partner with Healthy.io and advocate for solutions that break down barriers to care."

On the other hand, Geoff Martin, CEO of Healthy.io, shares his perspective on fostering awareness and innovative solutions: "Too many individuals learn about their kidney disease only when it’s too late. Our mission to expand access to testing through smartphone technology can transform this reality and significantly improve health outcomes nationwide."

A Call to Action

The Kidney Health Expo will not only deliver critical testing resources but will also push for legislative change to better equip healthcare systems to identify and treat chronic kidney disease. With March recognized as National Kidney Month, this event aims to catalyze awareness and inspire policy shifts that endorse comprehensive kidney care across the nation.

In summary, this collaborative effort between the National Kidney Foundation and Healthy.io seeks to bridge the existing gaps in kidney healthcare through education, innovative technology, and grassroots advocacy. Everyone is encouraged to participate in this event, take advantage of the available testing options, and become informed advocates for kidney health, before it’s too late.