The Metropolitan YMCAs of Mississippi and DaVita Launch Collaborative Community Kidney Health Program in Jackson
The Metropolitan YMCAs of Mississippi and DaVita announce the launch of their Collaborative Community Kidney Health Program (CCKHP), a community offering for health education and screenings, in Metro Jackson.
This collaborative program is designed to educate communities on addressing risk factors through resources that can support more proactive care interventions — aiming to raise awareness about kidney disease, promote prevention and early detection, and connect individuals to critical local health resources.
“The launch of this program shows the power of collaboration to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve,” said LeRoy Falcon, CEO for the Metropolitan YMCAs of Mississippi.
“By combining DaVita’s expertise in kidney care with our local relationships, we aim to create lasting impact in our community,” said Chris Milhas, Coordinator for Community Engagement & Health Intervention at the Metro Jackson YMCA.
According to the National Kidney Foundation, 37 million adults in the U.S. have chronic kidney disease (CKD), yet 90% are unaware they have it. Millions more are at risk due to conditions like diabetes and hypertension. Kidney disease often progresses with “silent” symptoms until the kidneys’ function is severely impaired and fails, resulting in the need for dialysis or transplant. Increasing access to early detection and intervention is vital to slowing this progression or preventing kidney failure, especially for underserved communities where access to health care and awareness of kidney disease risks are often limited.
“We’re grateful to join forces with the YMCA to provide these health resources to our shared community in the greater Jackson area,” said Tisha Green, regional operations director for DaVita, a comprehensive kidney care provider. “Together, we’re addressing barriers to kidney health with screenings and community health resources to help people take proactive steps toward improving their health.”
Facilitated by Bridge of Life, a nonprofit founded by DaVita, the free kidney health screening includes:
- A urine and finger stick blood test to measure kidney function.
- A finger stick glucose test to assess diabetes risk.
- A blood pressure reading for hypertension awareness.
- Body measurements, including height, weight, and BMI.
The screening events will be open to the public for individuals aged 18 and older, and fasting is not required. Participants with high-risk factors will have the opportunity to discuss their results and next steps with an on-site physician. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are encouraged.
Wednesday, May 21, 2025 | Flowood Family YMCA (690 Liberty Rd, Flowood, MS 39232) from 8:00AM to 2:00PM CT
Thursday, May 22, 2025 | Clinton Family YMCA (400 Lindale St, Clinton, MS 39056) from 8:00AM to 2:00PM CT
For more information about the screening event or to make an appointment, call 601-326-0547 or register via the links below:
