DENVER, Nov 04, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- DaVita Inc. (NYSE: DVA), a leading provider of kidney care services for those diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD), today announced the California Senate passed a resolution declaring the week of November 7 through 13 as California Chronic Kidney Disease Education Week.

In efforts led by Senator Rod Wright, the resolution was approved by the Assembly on a vote of 75 to 0. Wright has taken a strong interest in helping with kidney disease issues and is active on health legislation.

"DaVita appreciates Senator Wright's efforts and passion to help raise awareness of kidney disease," said Kent Thiry, chairman and CEO of DaVita. "Establishing the California CKD Education Week exemplifies the magnitude of kidney disease and the millions of people it affects."

This important state milestone falls in line with the final two Kidney Awareness Run/Walk events, which are scheduled to take place in Sacramento on Sunday, Nov. 7, and Long Beach on Saturday, Nov. 13. The Kidney Awareness Run/Walks is a 10-city social awareness event benefiting The Kidney TRUST(TM) - a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that works to reduce the human and economic costs of CKD across the United States. The event features kidney health screenings at no cost, entertainment and games for the entire family, and a kidney health expo to promote education and awareness. Most importantly, participants will be given the tools to educate their community about the importance of early testing.

Cities in the 5K series include Chicago; Cincinnati; Cleveland; Denver; St. Louis; Washington, D.C.; Virginia Beach; Ft. Worth, TX; Sacramento; and Long Beach, CA.

For information about the 2010 Kidney Awareness Run/Walks, please visit/www.kidneyawarenesstime.org.

DaVita and the DaVita Kidney Awareness Run/Walks are trademarks or registered trademarks of DaVita Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

About The Kidney TRUST

Founded in 2006, the Kidney TRUST is a nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing the human and economic cost of kidney disease. The Kidney TRUST is focused on increasing awareness of chronic kidney disease (CKD) through public education and testing programs so that progression of CKD to kidney failure can be delayed or prevented. The Kidney TRUST is also developing innovative solutions to address the critical unmet needs of people with CKD. Visit www.kidneytrust.org for more information.

About DaVita

DaVita Inc., a Fortune 500(R) 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 June 30, 2010, DaVita operated or provided administrative services at 1,700 dialysis facilities, serving approximately 123,000 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.
Kelsey Rood, 310-536-2404
Kelsey.Rood@davita.com