DaVita Inc., a leading provider of dialysis services for those diagnosed with chronic kidney failure and disease, today announced that Ann Strivers, People Services Manager for DaVita, was named the 2006 recipient of the Mark Zawiski Memorial Award established by the National Renal Administrators Association (NRAA), a national nonprofit organization representing professional managers of dialysis facilities and centers throughout the United States.

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The Mark Zawiski Memorial Award was established approximately seven years ago to honor Zawiski by recognizing other outstanding leaders in the End-Stage Renal Disease industry. Zawiski, who died unexpectedly during the prime of his career, was a dialysis administrator who worked to promote the causes of the renal industry.

"In the 15 years that I have known Ann she has inspired me, and many others, to make a difference for the patients and staff we serve," said Stan Langhofer, President Elect of the NRAA. "It continues to be a pleasure working alongside Ann and I am pleased to call her my friend and delighted that she has been recognized for her hard work."

"Ann exemplifies DaVita's core value of service excellence," stated DaVita CEO Kent Thiry. "She demonstrates that true service comes from the heart as well as the hands."

The award was presented to Stivers during the National Renal Administrators Association (NRAA) Annual Conference in Pennsylvania on October 4-7, 2006. For additional information regarding the Mark Zawiski Memorial Award and the National Renal Administrators Association please visit, www.nraa.org .

About DaVita Inc.

DaVita Inc. is one of the largest providers of dialysis services in the United States, providing dialysis services for those diagnosed with chronic kidney failure and disease. DaVita manages over 1,200 outpatient facilities and acute units in over 800 hospitals located in 42 states and the District of Columbia, serving approximately 100,000 patients. For more information please visit www.DaVita.com .

Contact: LeAnne Zumwalt of DaVita Inc., +1-650-696-8910

SOURCE: DaVita Inc.