Nephrology's First Annual Community Health Fair & Kidney Screening Day, A to Z (Alex-Zan to Zumba!)

Brandi Wright (right), a clinical fellow in the Division of Nephrology, promised that the division’s first annual Health Fair & Kidney Screening Day would be action-packed — and it was! With a talk on self-care by Alex-Zan and a Zumba class led by Myra Anderson, the day was both informative and fun.

The event, co-sponsored by the National Kidney Foundation and the City of Charlottesville, took place on Saturday, April 30th, at the Jefferson School City Center, a restored city landmark which for generations was at the heart of the city’s black community — an appropriate site, given that African Americans are at significantly higher risk of developing kidney disease compared to the general population.

Dr. Wright spearheaded the event with logistical support from Division of Nephrology administrator Dawn Kidd and a large group of UVA student volunteers, including undergrads and medical and nursing students. Faculty and staff from the division and its kidney and dialysis clinics, including physicians, nurses, and nutritionists, also lent a hand. Together, they shared educational materials on kidney disease and its close cousins, diabetes and hypertension, and provided free kidney screenings to about 30 low-income residents of Charlottesville and Albemarle County.

Nephrology division chief Mark Okusa, MD, said the level of student volunteer participation was especially heartening. “It provided an opportunity for them to learn more about — and gain some hands-on experience with — a complex disease that costs the nation billions in healthcare dollars.”

The lively day, which lasted from 9 am to 3 pm, included a presentation by Richmond-based motivational speaker Alex-Zan (Charles Alexander, a Charlottesville native and one of the “Venable Twelve“) on taking time for oneself; and a Zumba class led by Myra Anderson, who reversed her diabetes diagnosis and lost 140 pounds by dedicating herself to exercise. There was also a surprise visit from Charlottesville vice mayor Wes Bellamy.

Thanks to all who contributed their time and effort to making the day a success. Below is a slideshow from the day.