Tampa, Fla., March 5, 2009 – March is National Kidney Month. The American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP) and the Brookland Baptist Church Health & Wellness Guild have teamed up to host a Kidney Beginnings: Live program in conjunction with their Annual Community Health Fair. The event takes place Saturday, March 14 at the Brookland Baptist Church Health and Wellness Center.

Kidney Beginnings: Live is a FREE educational program designed to educate individuals about the basics of kidney disease and proper kidney care. Programs last approximately three hours and feature presentations given by local health care professional on topics including diabetes and hypertension, the leading two causes of kidney disease. As part of the program, attendees have the opportunity to receive complimentary health screenings and are provided educational materials through event exhibitors.

It is estimated 26 million Americans suffer from chronic kidney disease (CKD). In South Carolina, 460,000 or 1 in 8 people suffer from the disease and another 6,000 depend on life sustaining dialysis treatment. African Americans have an increased risked of developing the disease.

“AAKP is proud to bring the Kidney Beginnings: Live program to Columbia, South Carolina during National Kidney Month,” stated AAKP President Roberta Wager, RN, MSN. “This event allows AAKP to directly connect with affected individuals in the community. It’s a pleasure to be working with the Brookland Baptist Church Health & Wellness Guild to make this event happen.”

The Brookland Baptist Church Health and Wellness Center is located at 1066 Sunset Boulevard, West Columbia, SC. The program takes place from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. To register for this FREE event, please call 800-749-AAKP or email Jolene Bussiere at jbussiere@aakp.org. More information about AAKP’s Kidney Beginnings: Live program can be found at www.aakp.org/events/KB--Live.

                                                                                             ###
AAKP is the voluntary, patient organization, which for 40 years, has been dedicated to improving the lives of fellow kidney patients and their families by helping them deal with the physical, emotional and social impact of kidney disease. The programs offered by AAKP inform and inspire patients and their families to better understand their condition, adjust more readily to their circumstances, and assume more normal, productive lives in their communities.