DaVita Inc. , a leading provider of dialysis services for those diagnosed with chronic kidney failure and disease, today announced that Norma Gomez, RN, MBA, CNN and Director of Education for the DaVita Clinical Education Team was named the 2006 recipient of the Susan V. McGovern Memorial Award established by the Florida ESRD Network, a national organization that provides federally- established services under the Medicare Program for Florida.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20020729/DAVITALOGO )

The Susan V. McGovern Memorial Award was established this year to recognize a volunteer that exemplifies McGovern's attributes of continuous quality improvement. McGovern was a quality assessment nurse for the Florida ESRD Network who passed away in May 2005 from breast cancer. The inaugural memorial award was presented to Gomez, honoring her quest for continuous quality improvement, her desire to teach others and her willingness to serve the renal community at the highest level.

"This well-deserved award clearly articulates the recognition that Norma deserves," said Susan Juarez, MS, ARNP, CNN and Vice President of DaVita's Clinical Education team. "Norma has been dedicated to serving the renal community for over 20 years as a nurse, patient advocate and officer of the American Nephrology Nurses Association (ANNA). Her diligence in improving processes and programs has resulted in improved quality outcomes for patients and caregivers."

The award was presented to Gomez during the ESRD (FMQAI) Network 7 Annual Forum held at the St. Petersburg Bayfront Hilton in St. Petersburg, FL.

About DaVita Inc.

DaVita Inc. is the largest independent provider of dialysis services in the United States providing dialysis services for those diagnosed with chronic kidney failure and disease, to nearly 1255 outpatient dialysis centers located in 42 states including the District of Columbia, serving approximately 100,000 patients. For more information please visit www.DaVita.com .

SOURCE: DaVita Inc.