KCER volunteers and strategic planners include dozens of kidney-related companies, associations, and organizations who were able to contribute money, supplies, and volunteers to assist in the Haiti relief.
Originally formed in response to the devastating 2004 and 2005 hurricane seasons, KCER is a volunteer-based coalition of healthcare providers, government representatives, hospitals, patients, patient-centered organizations, and renal professional associations. KCER activities include patient education and staff training on disaster preparedness; promoting awareness to the emergency management community; and supporting the End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Network Program.
The KCER Coalition provides technical assistance to facilitate comprehensive, timely, and accurate information dissemination to the renal community and disaster response agencies. KCER provided situation reports, maps, and daily conference call coordination.
Responding to the needs in Haiti strengthens KCER's ability to respond to disasters in the U.S. impacting ESRD providers and patients. This crisis will raise awareness of the critical needs of kidney patients during a disaster. Following the earthquake, dialysis units were destroyed and patients were unable to receive regular dialysis treatments. This situation is compounded by acute kidney injuries from "crush syndrome" which may also require dialysis treatment.
Health professionals wishing to go to Haiti, individuals, organizations, and companies wishing to make monetary contributions, or donate medical supplies or equipment, should register and indicate what resources they have at http://www.cidi.org. President Bill Clinton and President George W. Bush have established the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund for donations for the relief and support of Haiti. The American Red Cross http://american.redcross.org is working with its partners to assist those affected by this disaster. To contribute, please visit the Red Cross online. The U.S. Government urges citizens to not self-deploy to the area. KCER encourages healthcare workers to join their local Medical Reserve Corps.
