Requirements to host a KidneyMobile Screening

Updated July 23, 2020

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Thank you for your interest in hosting a National Kidney Foundation of Illinois's KidneyMobile health screening event. Each KidneyMobile event is built on a partnership between NKFI staff and passionate community leaders such as yourselves. As hosts, you will not be required to pay for any of the testing materials provided by the NKFI, but you will be asked to be active hosts, and you will have a role to play.

 

Before your submit your KidneyMobile request, please familiarize yourself with the guidelines and requirements of hosting a screening outlined below.

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How are requests reviewed?

The KidneyMobile Committee reviews all requests and provides thoughtful consideration to each one. However, because we only have one KidneyMobile and our services are in great need, we unfortunately cannot accommodate all requests. The committee prioritizes:

 

• Screening locations in areas/neighborhoods in Illinois where there is a greater population at-risk for kidney disease

• Host sites that can provide enough space for the screening

• Host sites that can provide enough volunteers to support a successful program

• Events where the KidneyMobile is the primary screening (health and/or community fairs are not ideal)

 

If we are unable to accommodate your request, we ask for your support by joining us at another screening in your area.

 
What is required to host a KidneyMobile screening?

The most successful screenings are those with strong promotion by the host site. Every screening host should plan to:

 

• Aim to attract between 25 and 50 participants.*

• Post about the screening in newsletters, bulletins, and on social media

• Call partner organizations (religious institutions, community centers, senior centers, etc.) to invite their members and to ask for support in promoting the event.

 

The NKFI will help you in your promotional efforts. Posters, flyers, and a press release and media advisory (upon request), will be provided by the NKFI to host-sites for dissemination and advertising,

 
Other requirements include:

• Space for the KidneyMobile to park: It is a Sprinter van, so we suggest leaving two parking spots open

• Provide a large room indoors with access to electrical outlets and near a bathroom. Screenings do not take place on the KidneyMobile. COVID-19 Update: a minimum of 51 x 53 ft. required in order to host a screening.

• 13 six or eight ft. rectangular tables and 40-45 chairs

• At least 1 large trash receptacle

• Provide a small room for results consultations (if the testing space is large enough, we will provide the consultations there, using partitions) 

 

Staff and volunteers: information and requirements

The NKFI will send 3 - 4 trained staff members and/or medical professionals to run and manage the event. In addition, a number of volunteers are needed to run a successful event. Typically, the following volunteers are recruited by the host site:

 

• 3 - 4 technical/medically trained volunteers*

• 10 - 11 non-medically trained volunteers

• 1 - 2 translators (if necessary)

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If you feel you are unable to recruit the necessary amount of volunteers, please contact the NKFI's KidneyMobile Manager, Regina White for potential assistance. Please note that screenings are subject to cancellation should adequate numbers of volunteers not be available.

 

email: rwhite@nkfi.org  |  phone: (312) 321 - 1500  x 222

 
What are the volunteer responsibilities at a screening?

• Volunteers should plan to arrive 30-45 minutes before the screening starts and stay throughout the duration of the screening (typically 4 hours)

• Volunteers should wear business casual clothing or medical scrubs (no blue jeans, please)

• Volunteers will not be allowed to eat or drink while at their station.

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Technical/medically trained volunteers (3-4 required*) will be asked to perform the following duties:

 

• Blood Glucose: This finger prick is used to assess how much glucose (sugar) is in your blood. Diabetics and others may have an HbA1c test that provides a 3-month ‘snapshot’ of the amount of sugar attached to red blood cells. (Volunteer must be able to prick the finger using a small amount of blood)

  • (2 Volunteers Needed)

• Blood Draw: A blood draw provides information on serum Creatinine and eGFR, an estimation of kidney function. (Volunteer must be a licensed phlebotomist that has been performing blood draws on individuals within the last 2-3 months. If you cannot provide a phlebotomist, one will be available)

  • (1 - 2 Volunteers Needed)

• Private Consultation: The NKFI wants to make sure they understand their screening results and important next steps to better their health. Each participant will have a private consultation at the end of the screening where they will receive their individual test results. (Volunteer must be a doctor, nurse, or nurse practitioner)

  • (1 - 2 Volunteers Needed)

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Non-medically trained volunteers (10 - 11 required*) may be asked to perform the following duties:

 

• Registration: Assist the participants with completing a questionnaire on the laptop computers. (Volunteer should be able to type information on laptop/computer)

  • (2 Volunteers Needed)

• Blood Pressure: The pressure of the blood against the walls of the blood vessels, especially the arteries. Untreated and/or undiagnosed high blood pressure can cause kidney disease. Normal blood pressure is below 120/80. (Volunteer must feel comfortable administering blood pressures without using the automatic cuffs)

  • (1 - 2 Volunteers Needed)

• Body Mass Index (BMI) & Waist Circumference: Body Mass Index (BMI) is the relation of height to weight, and waist circumference is a simple measurement of the waist. Obesity can cause diabetes and cardiovascular complications. (Volunteer should assist the participants when they are stepping on the scale, and they use a measuring tape to get the participants waist size)

  • (1 - 2 Volunteers Needed; this operation may be performed by either medically trained volunteers OR non-medically trained volunteers; dependent on available volunteers/event plans)

• Urinalysis: A urine sample determines if there is an infection or if there are microscopic amounts of protein present. This can be an early sign of kidney disease, sometimes referred to as “spilling protein”. (Volunteer will use a dipstick to place in the urinalysis machine to see the levels of protein in the participant’s urine)

  • (3 Volunteers Needed; this operation may be performed by either medically trained volunteers OR non-medically trained volunteers; dependent on available volunteers/event plans).

 

View a Printer-Friendly PDF of Volunteer Responsibilities and Expectations

 

How many people are usually screened?

We aim to screen at least 25-50 people at each screening.  The most successful screenings are those with strong promotion by the host site in the local community.

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*Due to COVID-19, attendance numbers have been lowered to adhere to social distancing guidelines. You will be contacted with volunteer specifics once your date is approved.