Dialysis Clinic, Inc., Hosting FREE Open House for the Community

April 20, 2012 - PRLog -- (SHELBY, NC) Dialysis Clinic, Inc., (DCI) is inviting the community to an open house on April 29th from 3-5 p.m. at 108 Creekside Drive, Boiling Springs, NC.

The open house will provide an inside look at the DCI dialysis unit allowing the community to learn more about chronic kidney disease, witness a mock dialysis treatment, tour the dialysis facility, sample renal (kidney) friendly foods, and visit with dialysis professionals.

DCI Shelby is offering the open house as the third step in a three part program, called CKD Education Alliance, which provides awareness of chronic kidney disease and prevention strategies, treatment options for kidney failure, and career opportunities in the renal (kidney) field to local high schools and colleges.

Kay Wright, DCI Nurse Educator, and Melissa Taylor, DCI Vascular Access Coordinator, taught two classes about chronic kidney disease at Crest High School.   Twenty-eight health science students participated in the classes.

“The two days of class with the Health Science students at Crest High School in Shelby, North Carolina went great! Students were engaged and asked lots of questions.  Many had family with diabetes and high blood pressure and had great interest. I have already been invited back to talk to the Allied Health science students next semester,” says Kay Wright.

“DCI created this program for clinics to use across the nation because we want high school and college students to understand the personal risk factors for chronic kidney disease and what they can do to keep themselves healthy. Our objective is to share with them that the dialysis industry provides a variety of lifesaving therapies to people who have kidney failure. If these students desire to work in the medical field, our goal is to let them to know that dialysis centers are an option,” states Jessica Emler, DCI Public Information Coordinator.

DCI clinical staff approach local high schools and colleges and ask permission to teach for approximately two hours on two separate days. The classes are interactive and utilize videos, PowerPoint presentations, skits, and games to emphasize learning. The first class is an introduction to the risk factors for chronic kidney disease. High blood pressure and diabetes are discussed along with healthy lifestyle choices that may slow or prevent kidney disease. On the second visit, the staff discuss treatment options for kidney failure. They also discuss various roles that staff plays in providing care to the patient.

Students are offered a chance to write a 500 word essay, “What I Didn’t Know about Kidney Disease” showcasing their newfound knowledge and competing against their classmates for a chance to win a $250 check for educational expenses. The essay winner is announced at the open house.

The community is encouraged to attend the free open house on April 29th from 3-5 p.m. For more information, please call Kay Wright at 704-487-0399.