Dialysis Clinic, Inc. to make life-saving dialysis treatments more accessible for Gainesville residents

GAINESVILLE, Fla. - May 3, 2018 - PRLog -- Dialysis Clinic, Inc. (DCI), the nation's largest non-profit dialysis provider, will establish a dialysis center on Waldon Road in Gainesville, Florida, bringing additional dialysis services to the citizens of Alachua county.

"We have seen an increased need for dialysis in the Gainesville market. We currently have two dialysis units in the area, one of which is nearing capacity," stated Dwight Morgan, Area Operations Director for DCI. "We are hoping to have the second in-center hemodialysis unit up and running by the end of 2018 or the first of 2019 to serve patients in the area."

The latest data available from ESRD Network 7, representing all of Florida, shows 30,504 individuals with end stage renal disease (ESRD) as of Dec. 31, 2016. 8,405 patients were newly diagnosed with kidney failure in 2016. 49.2% of Florida's ESRD population is 65 or older.

"Patients with kidney failure need high quality options that are local. Our elderly population especially needs care that is close to home," explained Morgan. "Opening this new unit will help meet that need."

DCI is recognized as a quality leader in the dialysis industry. Since 2013, an independent government report has shown DCI to have the lowest mortality and hospitalization ratios among nationwide dialysis providers.

"Many people don't realize when you lose your kidney function, you must have dialysis or a transplant in order to live. It's critical that people with kidney disease have access to life-sustaining dialysis and transplant services," stated Morgan. "We are committed to caring for this community. You'll find that DCI staff is deeply concerned about patients. We have some of the most caring and dedicated staff in the industry. Our patients become our family and we want what is best for them."

DCI purchased the old WGGG building in June 2017 and has since met with concerned citizens regarding the historical preservation of the former WGGG radio station.

"The building had not been occupied by the radio station for over 10 years and had been for sale for 5 years prior to our closing on the property. Yet, there is a lot of sentimental value in the building," acknowledged Morgan. "We are working with the community to  find appropriate ways to preserve history. We discussed allowing the building or front fascia to be relocated, if done appropriately, or allowing the glass blocks from the building to be auctioned to raise money for Historic Groups in Gainesville. We have committed to having a 4' X 4' display area in the waiting room of the new dialysis center where the Neighborhood Group can display the history of the building and the radio station to the community."

DCI operates six dialysis units in Florida. Of the six units, one is hospital –based the other is a home therapy unit and the rest are freestanding outpatient dialysis units. DCI is a supporter of transplantation and started DCI Donor Services to increase access to organ procurement and transplantation. REACH Kidney Care was established to provide education to slow or possibly prevent the progression of chronic kidney disease to kidney failure. DCI is dedicated to the communities where it operates. Over 200 million dollars has been allocated to research and education initiatives.

Learn more about DCI at www.dciinc.org.