Click here for the 2009 KidneyMobile Schedule!


The National Kidney Foundation of Illinois'
KidneyMobile® Screening Program

In November 2005, the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois (NKFI) launched the nation's first KidneyMobile®, a custom mobile exhibit offering free prevention education and health screenings for high blood pressure, diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD) to Illinois communities.

We are proud to announce that the KidneyMobile®program has screened more than 13,000 community members! Unfortunately, more than 75% of those screened had at least one abnormal result, which is why the NKFI continues to provide these complimentary services.

Screening Stations
(Please note: not all screenings are available at each KidneyMobile® site.  For more information on a particular screening please speak with a NKFI staff member.)

Blood Pressure
Untreated and/or undiagnosed high blood pressure can cause kidney disease.  Normal blood pressure is below 120/80.

Body Mass Index (BMI)
Body Mass Index is the relation of height to weight.  Obesity can cause diabetes and cardiovascular complications.

Waist Circumference
This is a simple measurement of the waist. Carrying too much weight around your middle can increase your risk of developing diabetes and other disease.

Blood Glucose
This finger prick is used to assess how much glucose (sugar) is in your blood.  It is NOT a definite indicator for diabetes. Diabetics and others may have a HbA1c test which provides a 3-month ‘snapshot’ of the amount of sugar attached to red blood cells.

Blood draw
A blood draw provides information on serum Creatinine and eGFR, an estimation of kidney function.

Urinalysis
A urine sample determines if there is an infection or if there are microscopic amounts of protein present. This can an early sign of kidney disease, sometimes referred to as "spilling protein."

Private Consultation
The NKFI wants to make sure you understand your screening results and important next steps to better your health. Each participant will have a private consultation at the end of the screening where you receive your individual test results.

KidneyMobile® Tours
Everyone is encouraged to board the KidneyMobile® for an educational tour with hands-on displays as well as view a short video featuring people whose lives have been touched by kidney disease.

Requesting the KidneyMobile®

When a request for the KidneyMobile® is received, a committee determines schedule availability and the site's ability to meet hosting guidelines. In order to use the NKFI's resources most efficiently, the KidneyMobile®'s priority is to provide services to underserved communities, those who have little or no opportunity for preventative screenings. Priority is also given to organizations that can provide technical volunteers, lab work for the blood draws and events that are focused solely on chronic kidney disease. All requests will receive a response within two to three weeks. To request the KidneyMobile®, please complete this form and return it to Nicole Sisen at the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois via mail or fax 312.321.1505.

For more information on this innovative and free screening program, please contact Nicole at 312.321.1500 x246 or via email to nsisen@nkfi.org.

The 2009 KidneyMobile® schedule is now available. Please click here for the list of screening dates and locations.






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Learn More About the KidneyMobile®

  • KidneyMobile® Request Form
  • KidneyMobile® Fact Sheet

  • Chronic Kidney Disease Questions and Answers

  • _______________________________________________________________________

Participant Testimonials

“I was totally blown away by the KidneyMobile® exhibit. Actually seeing
how much fat and sugar were in certain products was (an) eye opening experience. 
Not just for me, but for my 14 year old daughter who is also obese.  We learned how
to make healthier food choices.  I had a real scare with the [abnormal] hematuria
and am being monitored by my physician closely.  If the KidneyMobile® had not caught this,
God only knows how long this would have gone undetected.  Thank you so much for this program.” 
- from a survey returned by a patient screened in Cairo, IL

"Since finding out about the diabetes, I have lost 23 pounds. I continue to
exercise daily (treadmill, back, weight training). I check blood sugar levels
2 times a day...The free testing program is great! "
- from a letter written by a patient screened at Sherman Hospital in Elgin, IL

"Thank you for the free kidney screening. I did do a follow up with
my doctor and she treated me for a urinary infection.
Thank you again...for your fine work."
- from a letter written by a patient screened at MacNeal Hospital in Riverside, IL

The KidneyMobile® may soon be traveling to an area near you! Please click on the schedule below.

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  • KidneyMobile® Program and Events

  • Chicago Police Officer Audrey Wilson shared her story of organ donation and transplantation with colleagues at the Morgan Park Police District. To learn more, please click here.

  • This year's World Kidney Day was a great success! For more information, please click here.

  • The NKFI is an integral partner in the "Making the Connection Healthy Living Program", a diabetes intervention initiative launched by the University of Illinois at Chicago. For more information or if you are interested in being included in the program, please click here.

  • This year's partnership with the Illinois Hospital Association yielded incredible results! Please click here for more information about the IHA and their recent receipt of the Gift of Life Award.

  • Southern Illinois Healthcare sponsored a Diabetes Awareness and Prevention Day and the KidneyMobile® was there! Click here to see the great profile in the Southern Illinoisan.

  • World Kidney Day was March 8! Click here to learn more about our visit with Congressman Mark Kirk and the KidneyMobile®'s adventure in Washington D.C.!

  • In May of 2005, the state of Illinois passed Public Act 094-0081 that establishes a Chronic Kidney Disease Awareness, Testing, Diagnosis and Treatment program. Learn more about this important piece of legislation.

    To visit the general website of the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois, please go to www.nkfi.org

Downloadable Images of the KidneyMobile®

 

Exterior View

Interior Views

National Kidney Foundation of Illinois, Inc.
215 W. Illinois Street, Suite 1C
Chicago, Illinois 60610
(312) 321-1500
(312) 321-1505 fax

The KidneyMobile® program is a registered trademark of the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois, Inc. The program includes free screenings and a comprehensive referral network with patient navigation, as well as healthy lifestyle education for individuals in communities throughout Illinois. The KidneyMobile® logo and/or concept may not be used without the explicit written consent of the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois, Inc.
Please contact the NKFI with questions.