USA Health named top fundraising group for Kidney Walk 2024
Proceeds help south Alabama kidney patients in need through the Alabama Kidney Foundation’s Financial Assistance Program.
By Casandra Andrews
candrews@health.southalabama.edu
USA Health CEO Owen Bailey, MSHA, FACHE, who served as the 2024 honorary chair for the Mobile Kidney Walk & Celebration, greeted participants at UMS-Wright Preparatory School’s Ervin S. Cooper Stadium on Saturday. As community members and USA Health employees gathered for the event, Bailey announced this year’s initiative met and exceeded its goal of $200,000, raising more than $228,000.
All three USA Health hospitals and the system’s physician enterprise hosted teams for the walk. USA Health’s corporate sponsorship was credited with bringing in more than $46,000 for the annual event, according to Becki Connally, director of corporate and community partnerships for the Alabama Kidney Foundation.
Proceeds help south Alabama kidney patients in need through the Alabama Kidney Foundation’s Financial Assistance Program. The program serves low-income dialysis patients by helping them with necessities such as utility bills, prescription medications, and transportation to and from dialysis treatments.
Kidney disease and kidney cancer have virtually no symptoms and often remain undetected until their later stages. Research shows approximately 90% of those with kidney disease do not know they have it. Alabama ranks highest in the nation for the number of dialysis patients per capita. Right now, in our state, there are more than 1,000 residents waiting for a kidney transplant. While they wait, undergoing dialysis can be a serious financial hardship.
