mission & vision
our mission and work
driven and determined
The National Kidney Foundation of Illinois improves the health and well-being of people at risk for or affected by kidney disease through prevention, education and empowerment.
The NKFI is a lifeline for all people affected by kidney disease. As pioneers of scientific research and innovation, the NKFI focuses on the whole patient through the lens of kidney health. Relentless in our work, we improve lives through action, education and accelerating change.
our vision of progress
building a better future
As we move into the next phase of our history, the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois is committed to creating a continuum of services and programs that promote kidney health. Our work will focus on Prevention, Education, and Empowerment - and on reaching all at-risk and affected individuals.
1
prevention
Too many at-risk families, individuals, and patients do not have the necessary resources to understand their risk factors for kidney disease, or fully take charge of their health.
The NKFI works to prevent kidney disease by providing community education, and encouraging families to seek testing, and play an active role in their health management.
2
education
Despite the fact that one out of every three Americans is at high risk for developing kidney disease, awareness of this serious health risk remains limited.
The NKFI is committed to helping communities understand the importance of their kidneys, and works to help families proactively care for their health.
3
empowerment
For many patients and families, managing a diagnosis of kidney disease and finding useful healthcare information can seem daunting.
The NKFI stands with patients, and ensures they are not alone. We work to connect them to resources, physicians, and treatment options, and empower them to be advocates for their own health.
core values
-
Integrity: being honest and ethical in our interactions and in executing our responsibilities.
-
Respect: we treat each individual with appreciation and courtesy. We honor the contributions of individuals and teams.
-
Learning: we promote continuous learning in our organization to foster innovative thinking and approaches to executing the mission.
-
Partnership: we acknowledge the value each party brings to a process, project or initiative and work collaboratively towards a shared outcome.
-
Inclusivity: embracing and valuing our differences while continuing to engage with each other to achieve mutual goals
Our core values are the deeply ingrained principles that guide our actions with our
patients,
our strategic partners
and with each other
our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
building an equitable space
We are committed to a diverse, inclusive, and equitable environment where all board members, staff, volunteers, individuals and communities served feel respected and valued regardless of gender, age, race, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation or identity, disability or education. We are committed to being nondiscriminatory and providing equal opportunities for employment, volunteering, and advancement in all areas of our work.
We respect the value that diverse life experiences bring to our board, leadership and key stakeholders. We strive to listen to their views and give them value.
​
We are committed to modeling diversity, inclusion, and equity and maintaining fair and equal treatment for all.
​
​
Our board’s philosophy on our goals to provide informed leadership for diversity, inclusion, and equity include:
​
-
We will strive to see diversity, inclusion, and equity in connection with our vision and mission for the benefit of those we serve.
-
We aim to recognize and address inequities in our policies, programs, and services.
-
We will update and document progress on our diversity, equity, and inclusion practices.
-
We commit to investigate underlying assumptions that interfere with our diversity policy.
-
We commit to advocating to end systemic inequities that impact our work at the board level and address it according to this policy and in accordance with our mission.
-
We commit to challenging commonly accepted notions about what constitutes strong leadership within our organization.
-
We commit to being transparent about diversity in all our interactions.
-
We will dedicate our time and resources to expanding greater diversity within our board and leadership positions.
-
We commit to leading with respect and tolerance and we encourage all employees and volunteers to express this in their work within our organization.
OUR MISSION IN ACTION
To date, our KidneyMobile® program has provided more than 55,000 free kidney disease screenings across the state of Illinois.
70% of the screened participants had at least one abnormal test result, and more than 45% were immediately referred to a physician or health center.
EVERY YEAR WE INVEST MORE THAN $1 MILLION IN PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
Through our national initiative, The Big Ask, The Big Give, we give patients who are considering organ donation the tools they need to ask their families, loved ones and communities for help.
We collaborate with lawmakers, medical experts, and civic leaders to shape public policy on behalf of families affected by kidney disease
We work to ensure that the State of Illinois does its best to offer excellent care and support for kidney disease patients, people on dialysis, and organ donors
WE ARE LEADERS IN RESEARCH
ALONG WITH OUR NKF AFFILIATES AND DIVISIONS, WE HAVE HELPED FUND OVER ONE THIRD OF ALL KIDNEY DISEASE RESEARCH IN THE UNITED STATES
make our vision reality
it's time to take action
The National Kidney Foundation of Illinois pursues our vision of a healthier future with the help of supporters like you. Your passion for our work fuels all our efforts, and has made an incredible difference in the lives of thousands of Illinois families.
Click below to join our efforts, and play a part in out next chapter.
