Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a very serious health condition associated with premature death and decreased quality of life, often resulting in end-stage renal disease, necessitating dialysis or kidney transplant. It affects almost 20% of our population and consumes more than 25% of all Medicare costs.

When it comes to prevention, CKD should not be thought of as a “single disease.” We must recognize that culture, environment and economics help determine our health; that common risk factors like poor diet, physical inactivity, health illiteracy, obesity, and family history fuel it; and we must acknowledge the connection to associated diseases – heart disease, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Only then can we clearly identify opportunities for True Prevention. We call it “the CKD Chain” and it affects the majority of our population.

KidneyWise is dedicated to stopping Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) in its tracks, by attacking all the maladies along the CKD Chain through an innovative, inclusive approach. The organization was founded by the reputable PKD Foundation, in response to the growing need of the more than 50 million Americans adversely affected by CKD. Formed by experts with an unwavering dedication to values and mission, we will not stop until True Prevention becomes a societal norm and the rising tide of chronic disease is turned back.

The Solution:  Over the last few decades, with the proliferation of technology, over-burdened schedules, and societal detachment, the connections to our community have weakened, and so has our health.  There is an increasing sense of isolation and alienation that is causing a health crisis in our communities.  KidneyWise has created a program and platform called WiseCommunities that is focused on changing this. 

There is a direct and proven correlation between social capital and individual and community health.  Multiple studies have confirmed the direct connection of poor chronic health and social networks, including a long-term study spearheaded by Harvard University*.  By investing in building positive social capital, WiseCommunities will provide individuals with access to information, resources and connectivity, which will in turn build a stronger social network, promoting individual health and overall well-being.

WiseCommunities is a place of hope. It is an invitation to re-join and re-build the front porch of America.  We invite you to become part of this special place.  We invite you to help transform our nation’s health.

* The Spread of Obesity in Social Networks, N.A. Christakis and J.H. Fowler, New England Journal of Medicine, July, 2007 - http://christakis.med.harvard.edu/pdf/publications/articles/078.pdf