Caregivers - even those evacuated from homes - make rounds to assist those
in need
EL SEGUNDO, Calif., Oct. 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- More than 700
dialysis patients requiring vital services benefited from the emergency
response efforts enacted by DaVita Inc. (NYSE: DVA), one of the nation's
leading provider of kidney care services, during the recent wildfires
affecting areas of Southern California. The program, known as DaVERT
(DaVita Village Emergency Response Team), incorporated lessons learned
during Hurricane Katrina to ensure a smooth response to the crisis.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20020729/DAVITALOGO )
DaVita teammates (employees), took shifts throughout the fires to
locate and speak with every patient in their jurisdiction, assess their
individual situation and ensure that they received treatments and any
necessary care-including proper shelter. DaVita's contact center was open
24 hours a day to receive incoming calls/questions from patients and their
family members.
"I was one of those who left under mandatory evacuation and missing
dialysis treatments is not an option for me," said Sirish Chandra, a DaVita
patient in the San Diego area. "Thanks to the incredible dedication of
DaVita teammates including Janette, my facility administrator, my dialysis
care was taken care of. DaVita made sure we all felt safe."
There were no DaVita centers damaged by the fires, and only one
temporarily shut-down due to road closures-Carmel Mountain in San Diego.
The center was closed for three days; however, its 40 patients continued to
dialyze at a nearby sister facility. The center has now resumed all
operations and patients have returned for care.
In the coming weeks, DaVita will provide grants to affected teammates
through its DaVita Village Network, which combines teammate donations with
matching company funds to help teammates in need.
"I'm proud to work for a company that shows such devotion to its
patients, teammates, and the community," said Dennis Kogod, DaVita
president, San Diego.
About DaVita Inc.
DaVita Inc., a FORTUNE 500(R) company, is one of the largest providers
of dialysis services in the United States, providing dialysis services for
those diagnosed with chronic kidney failure and end stage renal disease.
DaVita manages over 1,300 outpatient facilities and acute units in over 700
hospitals located in 43 states and the District of Columbia, serving over
100,000 patients. For more information please visit http://www.DaVita.com.
SOURCE DaVita Inc.
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Related links:
http://www.DaVita.com
Photo Notes:
NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20020729/DAVITALOGO
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
CONTACT:
Basak Ertan, Director, DaVita, Inc.,
1-800-310-4872
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