For years, the National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii (NKFH) has been changing—and bettering—the lives of 162,000 Hawaii residents afflicted by chronic kidney disease (CKD). In 2005 The National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii created a series of programs structured around the five stages of CKD. Stage 1 reflects minor abnormalities in kidney function, while stage 5 reflects complete kidney failure (ESRD). A majority of patients with CKD fall within Stages 1 to 3. * We offer: * Free kidney screenings to help identify patients prior to kidney failure * Early education programs for individuals at stages 1-3 * Patient services for individuals at stage 4 & 6 and those on dialysis * Support groups for dialysis patients and caregivers * Peer mentoring for those new to dialysis treatments * Organ donation and Living Donor awareness programs * Programs to educate Primary Care Physicians and other health professionals To support this multitude of programs the foundation depends heavily on its “kidney cars” program. This program receives donated motor vehicles which are then sold to provide much needed funding for our programs and services. To find out how you can help, contact the National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii at (808) 593-1515.When lives hang in the balance, every effort counts, and education and awareness are the best preventative methods out there. So to lend your support, or to find out how the foundation can help you or a loved one, don’t hesitate to reach out today!