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Patient Services

In 2003, over 6,900 patients received dialysis in Louisiana. Improving the health and well-being of individuals and families affected by kidney and urinary tract diseases, as well as providing emotional support to transplant recipients and donor families, is at the heart of the Patient Services Program. Direct patient services include:

Kidney Camp

Every summer, the National Kidney Foundation of Louisiana with financial support from the New Orleans ' Kidney Patient Association, sends young dialysis and transplant patients to a medically supervised summer camp. The camp is designed for children suffering from kidney disease and kidney failure to interact with volunteer doctors, nurses, and dietitians, as well as other kids with special needs.

Medical Identification Jewelry

Bracelets and Necklaces are ordered for dialysis or transplant patients. Requests must be submitted by the patient's social worker.

Crisis Intervention Fund

Emergency funds provided to supplement the cost of medications, treatment supplies, dental needs and transportation expenses. Requests must be submitted by the patient's social worker.

Renal Awareness Program (RAP)

The Renal Awareness Program (RAP) is a support group open to patients with chronic kidney disease, their family members, and friends. The focus of RAP is coping, communication and mutual support. Group members are able to share their experiences, common interest, and concerns.

RAP meets every third Thursday of each month at 5:30 p.m. The location is based throughout Greater New Orleans at churches, community centers, or offices. Notification of the location and topics of discussion are sent to all dialysis centers in Greater New Orleans area and also to patients on the RAP mailing list two weeks prior to each meeting.

The RAP support group has two social events for patients and family members. A Christmas party is held during the month of December, and a picnic takes place in April or early May. These events are usually supported by New Orleans Kidney Patient Association, pharmaceutical companies, and the National Kidney Foundation.

Members of RAP obtain educational information about chronic kidney disease through brochures, guest speakers, and Lunch-n-Learn seminars. They are also updated on legislative and Medicare issues through updates from the National office for the National Kidney Foundation.

For more information or to be placed on the RAP mailing list, please contact Julie Gable at
861-4500 or James Carter at 940-5788.