In This November 2020 Issue

  • Join the End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) National Coordinating Center (NCC) #FightFlu Campaign
  • New Online Kidney Transplant Hub
  • Patient Volunteers Needed for Peer Mentoring Program Pilot
  • Home Dialysis―It Could Be the Right Choice for Your Patients
  • New Tools Added to the ESRD NCC Patient Grant Library
  • Share the Work Incentive Seminar Events
  • Coming Soon―ESRD NCC Resources Under Development
  • Mark Your Calendar
  • Kidney Community Emergency Response (KCER): What Should You Know About COVID-19 Vaccine Planning
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Patient and Family Engagement
Join the ESRD NCC #FightFlu Campaign

There’ is no better time than now to join the ESRD NCC in its support of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) #FightFlu Campaign! The goal of the Campaign is to encourage everyone to get the flu vaccine, especially those with weakened immune systems like kidney patients. Chronic kidney disease and ESRD patients are at an increased risk of severe illness from flu.

Participation is easy. Here’s how to join us.
Take a selfie and write a message on why you think it is important to get the flu vaccine.
  1. Post the selfie with the message to social media with the hashtags #FightFlu and #ESRDNCC.
  2. After you post your message to your own social media account, email your selfie photo and message to Jerome Bailey at jbailey@hsag.com.  

Selfies and statements sent to the ESRD NCC will be shared on social media on the ESRD NCC Facebook and Twitter accounts.
National Influenza Vaccination Week
December 6–12, 2020
Click on the infographic below to visit the CDC website to learn how to participate.
Source: CDC
New Online Kidney Transplant Hub

There is a new website to help kidney patients learn about the kidney transplant process. The Kidney Transplant Hub, developed by the ESRD NCC, is a virtual guide that hosts links and source material for patients and families considering or making their way towards transplant. On the website, find tips for:
  • Staying healthy on the waitlist
  • Receiving a kidney sooner
  • Enjoying life after transplant
 
Patient Volunteers Needed for Peer Mentoring Program Pilot

The ESRD NCC needs your help recruiting patients for the Peer Mentoring Program Pilot. Please share this message with your Patient Advisory Committee members.
The ESRD NCC is seeking volunteers to participate as mentor or mentees in the Peer Mentoring Program Pilot. The Program Pilot is open to patients:
  • New to dialysis and open to learning about ESRD treatment choices.
  • Comfortable helping other patients take an active role in their care plans and talking with their care team.
  • Who have a positive outlook in managing kidney disease.

Patients interested in learning more about the Peer Mentor Program Pilot may visit the www.kidneylearninghub.com and email the ESRD NCC at kidneylearninghub@hsag.com for more information.
Home Dialysis―It Could Be the Right Choice for Your Patients

To help support the Advancing American Kidney Health goal of getting more patients to use a home dialysis therapy, the National Patient and Family Engagement-Learning and Action Network (NPFE-LAN) Home Dialysis Affinity Group published a new video about home treatment options. The video features two home dialysis patients. The patients share the challenges they faced moving to a home treatment, the benefits of using a home therapy, and why they encourage other patients to talk to their healthcare team about home dialysis. Visit the ESRD NCC YouTube link to watch the video now. Afterwards, share the video with dialysis patients in your service area. 
New Tools Added to the ESRD NCC Patient Grant Library

A new Data Search section has been added to the Patient Grant Library. Many grant applications ask for data, and this section offers locations to find data to support grant requests. Data can be any information, but often means numbers, counts, or statistics on grants. Visit this the new section and share it with your facilities and Patient Advisory Committee members.
Share the Work Incentive Seminar Events

Are you interested in helping people, who receive dialysis and are transplant recipients or learning about how to return to the work force or acquire a new trade? Social Security hosts free online Work Incentive Seminar Event (WISE) webinars. WISE webinars can help patients and their family members learn about the Ticket to Work Program and other Social Security work incentives. Add this registration link to your events calendar to promote WISE webinar participation: https://choosework.ssa.gov/wise/. 
Coming Soon―ESRD NCC Resources Under Development
Here are a few items we are creating for you:
  • ESRD NCC Flu Social Media Toolkit
  • Ease of Flu Vaccine Video
  • Flu Versus COVID-19 Myths Webinar
  • Celebrating the Holidays Safely During COVID-19 Webinar
  • COVID-19 Patient Screening Webinar
Mark Your Calendar
November 1–30, Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month
Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month honors the millions of Americans living with Alzheimer’s, through advocacy for cure awareness and education. It’s also a time to recognize the importance of caregivers who are there to help their loved ones as they tread the difficult path. Learn more at the Alzheimer's Association website.

November 1–30, American Diabetes Month
During the month of November, people living with diabetes are encouraged to speak up and spread the word about what living with diabetes really means. The goal is to create urgency about diabetes, help educate others, break down stereotypes, and to correct myths and misunderstandings surrounding the disease. Visit Diabetes.org to learn more.
 
November 1–31, National Hospice and Palliative Care Month
In November, hospices across the country will raise awareness about providing the highest quality care for all people coping with life-limiting illnesses. According to the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO), nearly 1.6 million people living with a life-limiting illness receive care from hospice and palliative care professionals every year in this country. The highly trained professionals ensure patients and families find dignity, respect, and love during a difficult journey. Learn how you can support NHPCO by visiting their website.
 
November 1–31, National Healthy Skin Month
November has been designated as National Healthy Skin Month by the American Academy of Dermatology. This is a time when everyone is encouraged to learn about the functions of the skin and how to keep it working and looking its best. Skin education is important for several reasons. Changes in the skin may be a sign that there is a problem with your overall health. Learn more at the American Academy of Dermatology website.
 
November 14, World Diabetes Day
World Diabetes Day is the world’s largest diabetes awareness campaign. The day is marked on the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, who co-discovered insulin in 1922. Organizers want the day to be a global driver to promote the importance of taking coordinated and concerted actions to confront diabetes as a critical global health issue. Visit the World Diabetes Day website to learn more.
 
November 19, Great American Smokeout
The Great American Smokeout is an opportunity for people who smoke to commit to healthy, smoke-free lives. On this day, individuals, community groups, businesses, and healthcare providers encourage people to make a plan to quit or start a smoking cessation plan on the day of the event. You can get tips on how to quit smoking by visiting the American Cancer Society's webpage. 
What Should You Know About COVID-19 Vaccine Planning

Currently, there is no vaccine for COVID-19 in the United States. Researchers around the world are working around the clock to find a vaccine. In the United States, the government has a program called Operation Warp Speed, staffed with some of the best scientists working on developing a safe vaccine. Although the CDC does not have a role in the development of a COVID-19 vaccine, it is working closely with health departments and partners to get ready for when a vaccine is available. As referenced on the CDC website, here are 8 things you should know about vaccine planning:
  1. The safety of COVID-19 vaccines is a top priority.
  2. Many vaccines are being developed and tested, but some might be ready before others―the CDC is planning for many possibilities.
  3. At least at first, COVID-19 vaccines might be used under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
  4. There may be a limited supply of COVID-19 vaccines before the end of 2020, but supplies will continually increase in the weeks and months that follow.
  5. If there is limited supply, some groups may be recommended to get a COVID-19 vaccine before others.
  6. At first, COVID-19 vaccines may not be recommended for children.
  7. Cost will not be an obstacle to getting vaccinated against COVID-19.
  8. COVID-19 vaccine planning is being updated as new information becomes available.

Visit the CDC 8 Things to Know About Vaccine Planning webpage to learn more.
Don’t forget to ‘Like’ the ESRD NCC on Facebook.
‘Follow’ us @ESRDNCC on Twitter.
This material was prepared the End Stage Renal Disease National Coordinating Center (ESRD NCC) contractor, under contract with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The contents presented do not necessarily reflect CMS policy nor imply endorsement by the U.S. Government. FL-ESRD NCC-7N51TB-11052020-01