About 31 million Americans suffer with kidney (renal) disease.
Over 15,000 residents of Illinois are dialysis patients living with renal failure. The average wait for a kidney transplant in Illinois is five to seven years. Several organizations offer support, education and related resources.
National Kidney Foundation of Illinois
The Illinois chapter of the National Kidney Foundation offers patient education, telephone counseling, referrals and kidney camp for children. There is a resource guide that can be downloaded free of charge.
Organ Transplant Support Inc.
Organ Transplant Support Inc. is a not-for-profit network based in Illinois offering support, information, counseling and education to transplant candidates and recipients, their families, transplant centers and other health professionals. Monthly meetings are held at the Good Samaritan Wellness Center in Downers Grove; members receive a monthly newsletter focused on transplant issues.
Illinois Kidney Disease and Hypertension Center
The Illinois Kidney Disease and Hypertension Center is an umbrella organization of professionals treating renal issues, with 12 locations around the state. The organization's mission is focused on providing "state-of-the-art diagnostic and therapeutic services" and patient-centered care.
Illinois Chronic Renal Disease Program
The state of Illinois offers assistance to patients with chronic and irreversible renal failure. Low cost and free services are available to families who do not qualify for Medicaid but meet the program's income guidelines. Applications are available online.
Tags: Disease Hypertension, Disease Hypertension Center, Hypertension Center, Illinois Kidney, Illinois Kidney Disease, Kidney Disease