EL SEGUNDO, Calif., Oct 29, 2007 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX News Network/ -- More than 700 dialysis patients requiring vital services benefited from the emergency response efforts enacted by DaVita Inc. (NYSE: DVA), one of the nation's leading provider of kidney care services, during the recent wildfires affecting areas of Southern California. The program, known as DaVERT (DaVita Village Emergency Response Team), incorporated lessons learned during Hurricane Katrina to ensure a smooth response to the crisis.

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DaVita teammates (employees), took shifts throughout the fires to locate and speak with every patient in their jurisdiction, assess their individual situation and ensure that they received treatments and any necessary care-including proper shelter. DaVita's contact center was open 24 hours a day to receive incoming calls/questions from patients and their family members.

"I was one of those who left under mandatory evacuation and missing dialysis treatments is not an option for me," said Sirish Chandra, a DaVita patient in the San Diego area. "Thanks to the incredible dedication of DaVita teammates including Janette, my facility administrator, my dialysis care was taken care of. DaVita made sure we all felt safe."

There were no DaVita centers damaged by the fires, and only one temporarily shut-down due to road closures-Carmel Mountain in San Diego. The center was closed for three days; however, its 40 patients continued to dialyze at a nearby sister facility. The center has now resumed all operations and patients have returned for care.

In the coming weeks, DaVita will provide grants to affected teammates through its DaVita Village Network, which combines teammate donations with matching company funds to help teammates in need.

"I'm proud to work for a company that shows such devotion to its patients, teammates, and the community," said Dennis Kogod, DaVita president, San Diego.

About DaVita Inc.

DaVita Inc., a FORTUNE 500(R) company, is one of the largest providers of dialysis services in the United States, providing dialysis services for those diagnosed with chronic kidney failure and end stage renal disease. DaVita manages over 1,300 outpatient facilities and acute units in over 700 hospitals located in 43 states and the District of Columbia, serving over 100,000 patients. For more information please visit www.DaVita.com.

SOURCE DaVita Inc.

http://www.DaVita.com