Kerry & Melinda Kirby Foundation and Uber Health Collaborate to Enhance Kidney Patient Accessibility

Enhancing Access to Kidney Care in Louisiana

In a remarkable partnership, the Kerry & Melinda Kirby Foundation has announced the launch of a new initiative called Ride with Kenny, in collaboration with the National Kidney Foundation of Louisiana (NKFLA) and Uber Health. This program is geared towards improving transportation options for patients who require non-emergency medical services, especially those suffering from chronic kidney disease, who often struggle to access essential care.

Chronic kidney disease affects over 460,000 residents in Louisiana. Among them, over 16,000 individuals are currently undergoing dialysis treatments — a critical requirement for many to survive. The lack of reliable transportation places this vulnerable population at greater risk, as they may miss vital healthcare appointments. The Ride with Kenny initiative aims to address this issue by providing a streamlined solution for scheduling rides to and from these appointments.

This initiative is not just a logistical endeavor—it's a deeply personal mission inspired by the legacy of Kenneth Fredrick Kirby, a beloved figure who inspired the program’s name. Kenny, who served in the United States Army and later worked diligently as a law enforcement officer, faced the grave consequences of chronic kidney disease himself. After years of battling this illness and ultimately developing end-stage renal disease at just 33 years of age, his spirit and determination continue to resonate, and this program seeks to honor that legacy.

Through a generous, multi-year grant from the Kerry & Melinda Kirby Foundation, this program will significantly bolster the capacity of NKFLA to provide transportation services needed by kidney patients in Louisiana. Uber Health, renowned for its HIPAA-compliant transportation solutions, will facilitate reliable rides, thereby allowing patients to keep their medical appointments without the added stress of arranging transportation.

Since its inception in 2018, Uber Health has been pivotal in connecting patients to essential medical services and non-emergency transportation needs. The platform aims to alleviate the logistical barriers many face and currently serves over 4,000 healthcare customers across the nation.

Torie Kranze, the CEO of the National Kidney Foundation of Louisiana, expressed excitement about the partnership, stating, “Kerry and Melinda Kirby are steadfast supporters of numerous NKFLA programs. Their unwavering commitment to providing accessible healthcare enhances the quality of life for kidney patients across Louisiana.”

Zachary Clark, Global Head of Uber Health, emphasized that getting the necessary care should not be a burdensome process. “Navigating kidney disease has its own challenges. We are proud to support patients across the state, making sure they can easily reach the care they require,” he said.

In an emotional testament, Kerry W. Kirby shared how the program was inspired by his father’s experience. Through an interview that highlighted the security dialysis provided his family, he hopes to extend the same sense of assurance to others facing similar health challenges. He remarked, “We want them to know someone cares enough to provide transportation for their critical treatments.”

The Ride with Kenny initiative stands as a beacon of hope for many in Louisiana, a testament to the power of community support and innovation in addressing healthcare challenges. It emphasizes the crucial role transportation plays in healthcare access, particularly for those battling chronic illnesses.

As the program progresses, it will not only serve the immediate transportation needs of kidney patients but also inspire further efforts towards addressing transportation inequities in healthcare more broadly. This partnership exemplifies how strategic alliances between foundations, healthcare organizations, and service providers can create meaningful change in the lives of individuals needing support.

For those interested in learning more about the Kerry & Melinda Kirby Foundation and their initiatives, additional information can be found at Kirby.Foundation. The National Kidney Foundation of Louisiana also offers extensive resources and support for those in need of kidney-related care and information, accessible through Kidneyla.org.