Kidney Health Australia

About Kidney Health Australia
Vision and Mission
Programs and Services
Contact Details

About Kidney Health Australia

Kidney Health Australia, formerly known as the Australian Kidney Foundation, is a non-profit organisation that aims to decrease the incidence of kidney disease and ease the burden of its human and financial cost. First established in 1968, they have broadened their focus from the funding of cutting-edge medical research to incorporate the delivery of needs and evidence-based health programs and services. Kidney Health Australia is also an active member of the International Federation of Kidney Foundations (IFKF) allowing the organisation to both benefit from, and contribute to, the experiences of the international kidney arena.

Vision and Mission

Their Vision To see Australia free of kidney and urinary tract disease Their Mission Kidney Health Australia aims to be the lead organisation promoting kidney and urinary tract health through research, consumer participation, education and health service excellence. The focus of Kidney Health Australia is to improve kidney health outcomes leading to substantial improvements to the quality of life for people with kidney and urinary tract diseases and their families and carers, whilst also developing initiatives that reduce the incidence of kidney disease in the Australian community. They aim to achieve this by:

Developing and implementing awareness and education programs in conjunction with kidney specialists, health professionals and educators.
Funding cutting edge medical research into cures for kidney and urinary tract disease.
Providing a network of education, care and support services for patients, their families and carers.
Promoting awareness of organ donation.

Programs and Services

Programs and services provided include:

Kidney Health Information Service (KHIS) - provides information, support and referral to the public and health professionals to ensure people are directed to the most appropriate service to meet their needs.
Research & Grants Scholarship Program - provides significant financial support for medical research programs.
Kidney Connect - umbrella support program for people with kidney disease, kidney donors and recipients, their carers and family members which consists of the following two programs:
- Kidney Care Program - trained volunteers provide support and companionship to people undergoing haemodialysis treatment in renal units throughout Australia.
- Peer Support Program - connects patients, donors, carers and families in need with trained volunteers who have similar experiences.
Camps and activities - provide opportunities for children who have kidney diseases, are on dialysis, and/or have received a transplant to meet in a safe and fun environment while receiving medical treatment and providing respite to families and carers.
Consumer participation and advocacy committees - established in most states to identify and address issues affecting individuals living with kidney and urinary disease.
Forums - provide relevant education and support networks to patients, carers and health professionals.
Adult holiday program - provides a dialysis holiday program for families in some states.
Kidney Check Australia Taskforce (KCAT) - detection and intervention program for health professionals that aims to promote early renal impairment dection and best practice management of kidney disease.
Kidney Evaluation for You - early detection program which evaluates 'high risk' individuals to assess their kidney function, cardiovascular health, and risk of developing diabetes.
Publications - information, brochures, fact sheets and books which are evidence-based and give precise, up to date information on a wide range of kidney related conditions and treatments.