Tampa, Fla., February 19, 2009 – In recognition of National Kidney Month, the American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP) and the Hillsborough County Health & Social Services Department are teaming up to host a Kidney Beginnings: Live program and health fair. The event takes place Monday, March 9th at the West Tampa Neighborhood Service Center, located at 2103 N. Rome Avenue, from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Kidney Beginnings: Live is a FREE educational program offered by AAKP that teaches individuals about proper kidney care, how the kidneys function and the leading two causes of kidney disease – diabetes and hypertension. Programs feature free educational materials for attendees, presentations by local health care providers and attendees have an opportunity to ask questions. As part of this program, attendees will also have a chance to get their blood pressure and blood glucose levels checked.

“Diabetes and hypertension are the leading two causes of kidney disease,” stated AAKP President Roberta Wager, RN, MSN. “This event allows AAKP and the Hillsborough County Health & Social Services Department to provide education and services to at risk individuals within the community.”

“We want as many people as possible to come by and take advantage of this free event,” stated Audrey Eonda, Manager, West Tampa Neighborhood Service Center. “This is an opportunity for people in the community to learn about kidney disease and its risk factors, and all the services available to them through the Hillsborough County Health & Social Services Department.”

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.

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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.