Rep. Napolitano Visits Local Kidney Care Dialysis Center
(WEST COVINA, CA) Today, Rep. Grace F. Napolitano (CA-32) visited patients at the West Covina DaVita Kidney Care Dialysis Center, discussing the need to expand access to high-quality medical care for those suffering from end stage renal disease (ESRD).
“Our visit to DaVita was eye-opening and an important reminder of how critical access to medical care is for the entire San Gabriel Valley,” Napolitano said. “It was very moving to speak with patients who require dialysis—some who are here two or three times a week. We are so grateful to the entire health care team at DaVita for both the first-class care they provide and also the educational outreach they do in our communities to prevent kidney disease.”
Napolitano toured the out-patient dialysis facility, which serves approximately 100 patients, the vast majority of whom reside within the 32nd District. She also voiced her support for the bipartisan Chronic Kidney Disease Improvement in Research and Treatment Act (H.R. 1130), which would increase eligibility for Medicare Advantage for individuals with ESRD and allow dialysis facilities to provide kidney disease education services.
“Our local communities are fortunate to have access to this specialized care for patients with ESRD, but there are far too many communities who do not,” Napolitano added. “H.R. 1130 is needed to ensure more patients suffering from kidney disease are able to receive the proper care they need and to raise awareness for this serious health concern.”
Today over 26 million American adults are living with chronic kidney disease (CKD), which, untreated, can ultimately progress to kidney failure. Currently, more than 635,000 Americans suffer from ESRD and approximately 450,000 are on dialysis – including 81,019 in California. DaVita Kidney Care partners with service providers throughout the region to promote kidney health, offering free training sessions at local centers or online for those with questions about kidney disease. To learn more, visit kidneysmart.org.
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