KEEP at Richmond International Raceway

July 25, 2005

Thanks to spacious facilities provided by Richmond International Raceway (RIR) and day-of televised coverage by WRIC-TV8 , the Foundation held its first major Kidney Early Evaluation Screening at the Raceway's Exhibition Hall on Saturday, July 23rd. "This is the largest screening yet for the Foundation," said Lou Markwith, CEO. "More than 130 people from the Richmond area were screened for early signs of kidney disease."

Linda Whitaker, Vice President for Managed Care Operations with Anthem-Wellpoint and an active Board Member of the Foundation, participated in this recent early.  Her experience, in her own words, follows:

“As a board member I felt it was important to attend a screening to gain first hand knowledge of the process. I just wanted to let everyone know the experience exceeded my expectations.

The volunteers were superb. They were friendly efficient and helpful through every step of the process. The stations were set up to ensure privacy for participants and the consultation with a doctor at the end of the screening was the crème de la crème. I have been through alot of health screenings in the past several years and none of them provided a physician on-site to discuss my results. I feel this is especially important for participants with abnormal test results. A message from a physician on the importance of follow-up care is more powerful than feedback from another healthcare professional.

I would also like to comment on the packet of information provided to me as I left the screening. I received my test results with an explanation of what the tests were for and the range of lab values, which test results would be mailed to me and when I would receive them as well as educational material on kidney disease written at an educational level all participants could understand. This provided both good general information on kidney disease and gave participants a clear understanding of their results in case they didn't understand (or couldn't remember) all of the details.

At the end of the day it was clear to me the screenings are an important part of our mission to make lives better. I am sure there were people at the screening who do not receive any type of health services except urgent/emergent care and I am proud to be part of an organization providing this wonderful community service.”

     Learning about Kidney Health is a Family Affair                 Blood Pressure checks are an important part

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