DENVER, Jun 02, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- DaVita Inc. (NYSE: DVA), a leading provider of kidney care services for those diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end stage renal disease (ESRD), announced today important emergency preparedness information for dialysis patients during the hurricane and tornado seasons. DaVita® is reminding patients and their families to prepare for all natural disasters, including hurricanes, tornadoes and flooding that can cause clinic and road closures.

The official Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1 and predictions are that there will be an above average number of hurricanes during this season. The 2011 tornado season has been one of the most active in U.S. history.

"We are hopeful that this hurricane season will not have an impact on our coastal teams and patients, but we must always be prepared," said Richard Bruner, division vice president of DaVita and member of DaVita's emergency response team, DaVERT. "The reality is that four to five hurricanes hit the U.S. coastal regions each year, several with damaging intensity. It is extremely important that each patient and teammate review their personal emergency plan to ensure the entire family is prepared in case of a large weather event."

Dialysis patients require treatments at least three times per week and are at high risk during natural disasters and weather-related emergencies. Patients depend on life-sustaining treatments most often administered in geographically dispersed outpatient centers across the country.

DaVita teammates (employees) are taking extensive measures to facilitate patients' access to dialysis treatment and necessary supplies days before upcoming storms.

In order to be prepared for unexpected 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, can opener, first aid supplies, and a battery-operated flashlight and radio

For additional emergency preparedness information, including a three-day emergency diet, DaVita has provided the following links.

Emergency preparedness for people with kidney disease

Preparing for the unexpected with home dialysis

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 and education to patients with chronic kidney failure and end stage renal disease. As of March 31, 2011, DaVita operated or provided administrative services at 1,642 dialysis facilities, serving approximately 128,000 patients. DaVita develops, participates in and donates to numerous programs dedicated to transforming communities and creating positive, sustainable change for children, families and our environment. The company's leadership development initiatives and corporate social responsibility efforts have been recognized by Fortune, Modern Healthcare,Newsweek and WorldBlu, among others. For more information, please visit www.davita.com.

SOURCE: DaVita Inc.

DaVita Inc.
Media:
Vince Hancock, 303-405-2272
Vince.Hancock@davita.com