(Chelsea Update would like to thank Joyce Williams for the information in this story.)
The National Kidney Foundation of Michigan (NKFM), has announced the public phase of its “Healthy Futures” capital fundraising campaign.
The capital campaign, only the second in NKFM history, started with the belief that everyone should be able to access comprehensive care for the prevention, treatment and management of kidney disease. Through the Healthy Futures campaign, the NKFM will transform kidney care by increasing earlier identification, treatment and support, especially for those at risk, throughout Michigan.
Healthy Futures’ three major goals are:
Expanding health education and early intervention to prevent kidney disease
Empowering families and communities to take charge of their health through accessible kidney screenings and programs
Transforming the approach to kidney disease diagnosis, treatment and support by facilitating collaboration among providers, patients, and insurers
Most kidney disease is preventable. In Michigan, one in seven, or more than a million adults, already has kidney disease, even though they have no symptoms. Diabetes and high blood pressure are the two leading causes for 64% of kidney disease diagnoses.
Throughout the state, the NKFM will expand early intervention to steer Michigan’s children away from this surge of chronic illness by providing school programs that make it fun for children to learn about healthy eating and physical activity. By doubling the number of children and families reached, the NKFM will decrease the number of adults who suffer from kidney disease in the future.
Early kidney disease can only be identified through screening with a simple urine test and blood draw. Barriers like location, income status, and education level prevent some people from having access to health services, education, and support. The NKFM will increase health screenings where people live and gather, and increase the availability of free online, self-directed learning programs on lifestyle changes for preventing or managing high blood pressure, diabetes and kidney disease. This will empower people who struggle with health care access due to health disparities.
To transform Michigan’s approach to kidney disease, the NKFM will pilot an innovative program to help providers, patients and insurers collaborate on early kidney disease identification, healthier lives for people with the disease, and decreased costs. The organization’s vision for this proactive collaboration intercepts kidney disease early and helps patients live better, healthier lives. Additional goals for this program include decreasing the personal anguish and limitations of chronic kidney disease and the significant financial burden to care for someone in the later stages of kidney disease.
Continuation of these programs and services will be supported through the initiation and consequent growth of a Healthy Futures endowment fund.
The silent phase of the Healthy Futures campaign began in 2021. Through support from donors, funders, friends and partners, the NKFM has reached 83% of its fundraising goal of $25 million. The NKFM has raised $20,702,000 and is hoping the public phase of the campaign will help the nonprofit cross the finish line.
The strategies in the Healthy Futures campaign are built on the Foundation’s 65 plus years of knowledge and experience, as well as successful partnerships forged over those years.
For more information on how to give to Healthy Futures, go to nkfm.org/healthyfutures.
About the NKFM
The National Kidney Foundation of Michigan works to prevent kidney disease and improve the quality of life for those living with it by offering life-changing programs and services across the state. The NKFM consistently receives high marks from top charity evaluation organizations, including 4 stars from Charity Navigator, a platinum rating from Candid, and meeting all 20 priorities for the Better Business Bureau. Our focus on transparency and outcomes is recognized as among the best. NKFM.org
