SHELBY- A dialysis clinic is inviting the community to learn more about chronic kidney disease, treatment and career opportunities in the field for local high school and college students.

Dialysis Clinic, Inc. is holding an open house on Sunday from 3 to 5 p.m. at 108 Creekside Drive in Boiling Springs.

The open house will provide an inside look at the DCI dialysis unit, allowing the community to learn more about chronic kidney disease, wit-ness a mock dialysis treatment, tour the dialysis facility, sample kidney friendly foods and visit with dialysis professionals.

DCI Shelby is offering the open house as the third step in a three part program, called Chronic Kidney Dialysis Education Alliance, which provides awareness of chronic kidney disease and prevention strategies, treatment options for kidney failure, and career opportunities in the renal (kidney) field to local high schools and colleges.

Kay Wright, DCI nurse educator, and Melissa Taylor, DCI vascular access coordinator, taught two classes about chronic kidney disease at Crest High School. Twenty-eight health science students participated in the classes.

“The two days of class with the Health Science students at Crest High School…went great,” Wright said. “Students were engaged and asked lots of questions. Many had family with diabetes and high blood pressure and had great interest.”

Wright said she has already been invited back to talk to the Allied Health science students next semester.

“DCI created this program for clinics to use across the nation because we want high school and college students to understand the personal risk factors for chronic kidney disease and what they can do to keep themselves healthy,” said Jessica Emler, DCI public information coordinator. “Our objective is to share with them that the dialysis industry provides a variety of lifesaving therapies to people who have kidney failure. If these students desire to work in the medical field, our goal is to let them to know that dialysis centers are an option.”

DCI clinical staff approach local high schools and colleges and ask permission to teach for about two hours on two separate days. The classes are interactive and utilize videos, PowerPoint presentations, skits, and games to emphasize learning.

During the classes, high blood pressure and diabetes are discussed along with healthy lifestyle choices that may slow or prevent kidney disease, treatment options for kidney failure and the various roles staff plays in providing care to the patient.

Students are offered a chance to write a 500 word essay, “What I Didn’t Know about Kidney Disease,” showcasing their newfound knowledge and competing against their classmates for a chance to win a $250 check for educational expenses. The essay winner will be announced at the open house.

For more information call Kay Wright at 704-487-0399.

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