Dear PAC Members, Representatives, and Advisors:

Thank you for volunteering your time, passion, expertise, and energy to help provide an important connection between ESRD patients, family members/care partners, dialysis facilities, and the ESRD Network.

This is an amazing opportunity to help the ESRD community and we are looking forward to working with you this year!
IPRO ESRD Network Program Webinar:
Understanding COVID-19 Vaccination and the
Cultural Implications which Impact Vaccination
Join the IPRO ESRD Network Program for an educational webinar to learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine and the cultural implications that can impact vaccination.
We will also discuss specifically the cultural associations related to vaccinations for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) that contribute to patient hesitancy and lack of interest in the COVID vaccine.

February 24th at 5:00 PM ET

Meeting Number: 178 839 7897 Password: VACCINE
No Online Access?
Call: 1-855-797-9485 Access Code: 178 839 7897
PAC Virtual Patient Support/Discussion Group
February 25th at 5:00 PM ET
Meeting Link: https://ipro.webex.com/ipro/j.php?MTID=m7fcf38de4f949a54f2f9d1db84fa6dc7
Meeting Number: 616 535 334
Password: PAC2020 (case sensitive)
No Online Access?
Call: 1-855-797-9485 Access Code: 616 535 334
Dialysis Patient Citizens Education Center: Support Group
The DPC Support Group is a unique program that offers real-time support and education to chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients at all stages of the illness, as well as support for their family and friends. It can be helpful for those adjusting to kidney disease to:
  • Have someone to listen to them
  • Gain confidence in living with kidney disease
  • Feel more in control of their life
  • Provide fellowship and community for those on home dialysis
  • Gain tips and encouragement from both someone who has personal experience and from a healthcare professional.

The group meets on the second Tuesday of the month at 3:00 pm Eastern for one hour starting on Tuesday, March 9, 2021.
To join the call:
  • Dial: (866) 808-5953
  • Enter Meeting Code: 253 841 3353
National Kidney Foundation Research Survey
The National Kidney Foundation has partnered with Hanover Research to conduct a study and would like to get your opinion.
 
This study is for research purposes only. All information you provide will be confidential. Your individual responses will not be shared; all responses will be reported collectively (aggregate format). We encourage you to be candid in your responses.
 
This survey will only take about 12 to 15 minutes to complete. Upon completion of the survey, you will have the opportunity to enter your contact information in order to receive a $10 e-gift card. Thank you for your participation! 
Upcoming Educational Webinars

Monday, February 22, 2021, from 11:00am-4:00pm ET
Tuesday, February 23, 2021, from 11:00 am-5:00pm ET

During the two-day virtual conference, attendees will hear from CMS leadership about how COVID-19 has changed the healthcare system, and patients will share how they are surviving despite COVID-19. Other topics will include:
  • Home Dialysis
  • COVID-19 Vaccine Updates
  • Kidney Transplantation
  • Emotional Health
ESRD National Coordinating Center (NCC)
COVID-19: The Science Behind the Mask
Tuesday, February 16, 2021
4:00 PM to 5:00 PM ET

Presenter:
  • Christa Singleton MD, MPH - Senior Medical Advisor, Population Health and Healthcare Office - Office of the Associate Director for Policy and Strategy, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

The presenter will:
  • Describe how masks work to protect people.
  • Identify Which masks are most effective in preventing the spread of COVID-19.
  • Discuss if people still need to wear masks once they receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
American Kidney Fund (AKF)
Kidney Chat: Ask a Caregiver
Wednesday, February 17, 2021 1:00pm-2:00pm ET

Learning you need to start dialysis may be overwhelming. There is a lot to think about when choosing the best treatment option for you. Starting dialysis also means creating a new normal for yourself and your loved ones. While you adjust to regular treatments and change your eating habits, you may also have to rely on friends or family members for help with getting to appointments, doing in-home treatments, and other daily activities. Knowing what to expect can help you adjust.

Speaker: Frances E. Ashe-Goins, RN, MPH, FAAN
During this webinar, Frances Ashe-Goines, a caregiver to her adult daughter on dialysis, will answer questions that you have about:
  • Adjusting to the first 30 days of dialysis
  • How caregivers can prepare when a loved one is starting dialysis
  • Important questions to ask your dialysis treatment team

Submit your questions when you register for this webinar. Frances will answer submitted questions during the first 40 minutes of the presentation and will reserve 15-20 minutes to answer live audience questions at the end of the webinar.
Dialysis Patient Citizens Education Center
The "How To's" to Building a Top-Notch Immune System with Lifestyle Changes
Thursday, February 25, 2021 2:00pm-3:00pm ET

During this webinar you will learn:
  1. What makes up your immune system
  2. What factors can help or hurt your immune system
  3. The "Three P" approach with making lifestyle changes to help build a strong immune system
  4. Tools, resources, and actionable steps to get you started. 
Community Awareness
Understanding Kidney Disease and the Black Community:
Americans of African descent have the highest risk of acquiring kidney failure when compared to any other race? About 1 in 3 kidney failure patients living in the United States are Black of African descent. Black Americans make up about 13 percent of the population, but they account for 35 percent of the people with kidney failure in the United States. Diabetes and high blood pressure are the leading causes of kidney failure among African Americans.
February is American Heart Month
Every year the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) and The Heart Truth celebrate American Heart Month by motivating Americans to adopts healthy behavioral changes to prevent the onset of heart disease. Individuals with poor cardiovascular health are also at increased likelihood of a severe illness from COVID-19. During this February, American Heart Month is focused on "making heart health a regular part of your self-care routine".
National Heart, Ling and Blood Institute: American Heart Month Resources
Self-Care Tips for Heart Health
Know the Difference (Fact Sheet)
Taking Care of Our Hearts, Together
28 Days Toward a Healthy Heart
25 Ways to Take Part in Heart Month
Move More (Fact Sheet)
Mental Health and COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused many individuals to face stressful challenges that can also be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in both adults and children. COVID-19 protocols such as social distancing can increase feelings of isolation and loneliness as well as increase stress and anxiety. 

Increased stress can cause the following:
  • Feelings of fear, anger, sadness, worry, numbness, or frustration
  • Changes in appetite, energy, desires, and interests
  • Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
  • Difficulty sleeping or nightmares
  • Physical reactions, such as headaches, body pains, stomach problems, and skin rashes
  • Worsening of chronic health problems
  • Worsening of mental health conditions
  • Increased use of tobacco, alcohol, and other substances

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has provided a variety of options that you can help yourself, others, and your community manage stress.

  • Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including those on social media. It’s good to be informed, but hearing about the pandemic constantly can be upsetting. Consider limiting news to just a couple of times a day and disconnecting from phone, tv, and computer screens for a while.
  • Take care of your body.
  • Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate
  • Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals.
  • Exercise regularly.
  • Get plenty of sleep.
  • Avoid excessive alcohol, tobacco, and substance use.
  • Continue with routine preventive measures (such as vaccinations, cancer screenings, etc.) as recommended by your healthcare provider.
  • Get vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine when available.
  • Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.
  • Connect with others. Talk with people (external website)
  •  you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.
  • Connect with your community- or faith-based organizations. While social distancing measures are in place, try connecting online, through social media, or by phone or mail.