DENVER--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Mar. 26, 2012-- DaVita Inc. (NYSE: DVA), a leading provider of kidney care services that is committed to improving the quality of life for those diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD), today announced important emergency preparedness information and resources for dialysis patients during upcoming tornado, hurricane and flood seasons this spring.

Dialysis patients require treatments at least three times per week and are at high risk during natural disasters and weather-related emergencies. DaVita® teammates (employees) take extensive measures to facilitate patients' access to dialysis treatment and necessary supplies days before upcoming storms; however, natural disasters can also cause clinic and road closures.

"Each season brings a new set of potential weather-related hazards," said Richard Bruner, division vice president of DaVita and member of DaVita's emergency response team, DaVERT. "Weather is somewhat unpredictable; that's why it's important for patients to review emergency plans and be prepared for the unexpected."

In order to be prepared for emergency situations, DaVita recommends dialysis patients create an emergency kit that includes:

• Emergency phone numbers for their doctors and dialysis center, as well as contact information for a nearby dialysis center
• At least three days' worth of medications, as well as a list of the dosage amounts
• If diabetic, a week's worth of supplies (syringes, insulin, alcohol wipes, glucose monitoring strips, etc.)
• Access to clean water, food, a can opener, first aid supplies, and a battery-operated flashlight and radio

Visit DaVita.com to see the full three-day emergency diet and additional emergency preparedness information, including:

• Emergency preparedness for people with kidney disease
• Preparing for the unexpected with home dialysis
• Diabetes Emergency Plan

For additional questions, or for assistance during a weather-related event, call DaVita Guest Services at 1-800-400-8331.

DaVita is a registered trademark of DaVita Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

About DaVita
DaVita Inc., a Fortune 500® company, is a leading provider of kidney care in the United States, delivering dialysis services to patients with chronic kidney failure and end stage renal disease. DaVitastrives to improve patients' quality of life by innovating clinical care, and by offering integrated treatment plans, personalized care teams and convenient health-management services. As of Dec. 31, 2011, DaVita operated or provided administrative services at 1,809 dialysis facilities in the United States, serving approximately 142,000 patients. The company also operated 11 outpatient dialysis centers located in three countries outside the United States. DaVita supports numerous programs dedicated to creating positive, sustainable change in communities around the world. The company's leadership development initiatives and social responsibility efforts have been recognized by Fortune,Modern Healthcare, Newsweek and WorldBlu. For more information, please visit http://www.davita.com.

Source: DaVita Inc.

Media:
DaVita Inc.
Ginger Pelz, 303-405-2271
Ginger.Pelz@davita.com