KCER: KIDNEY COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE COALITION

Available Resources and Types of Technical Assistance

There are many types of KCER technical assistance available, including:

TOLL FREE INFORMATION LINE

• NKF hosts a kidney community toll-free emergency hotline for patients / providers at 888-33-KIDNEY (888-335-4363).
• In the event of a disaster, this hotline would serve to connect dialysis patients, their families, and healthcare providers with kidney care resources.

EMERGENCY INFORMATION SHARING

• In the event of a large-scale emergency/disaster, Networks can share information through targeted Response Team listservs and with KCER volunteers and interested parties. Information is also provided to the Communications Response Team, which manages the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) patient hotline.

KIDNEY COMMUNITY CONFERENCE CALLS

• The KCER Coalition can host conference calls for national emergencies and large disasters. Notices and dial-in information will be posted on the website and on the KCER Hotline.
• The KCER Hotline is 866-901-ESRD (866-901-3773). During non-emergency times, a recorded message is available.
• This conference line is also available for use by individual Networks for coordinating pre-disaster preparedness, emergency response and recovery activities.

OPEN / CLOSED FACILITY STATUS

• KCER is available to help Networks post the open / closed status of facilities to www.dialysisunits.com.
• KCER can also assist Networks in communicating provider operational status to State Agencies, CMS and other appropriate stakeholders.

OTHER RESOURCES & ASSISTANCE

• Help identify “lessons learned” and share best practices.
• Provide assistance with continuous quality improvement techniques to address and update internal and community practices for disaster readiness and response.
• Provide emergency management education and training.
• KCER has two traveling exhibit booths available for meetings/events.