By Catherine Campbell, DNP, MSN-RN, MBA, CCM, CHC, FACHE, FCM
March and April are the annual remembrance months advocating for tissue donation for those in need of a transplant. Annual recognition includes educating individuals who have a mission/passion to help by committing to sharing tissue/organs during life or upon death. The remembrance effort is to direct those willing to share by educating the process and the explosive need.
Center for Disease Control (CDC) Organ Procurement
during this time. Risk issues are addressed for potential individuals who could have compromised renal function without knowledge. According to the CDC, more than 1 in 7 American adults have Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). CKD is known as an insidious disease, often referred to as “death disease.” Worldwide, CKD affects 8-16% of the population. The National Kidney Foundation estimates that there are 37 million adults in the United States affected by kidney disease, with 90% not knowing they have kidney disease, which is affecting their functioning system. This statistic reveals that there are more deaths than breast or prostate cancer. Untreated CKD results in an individual’s death (National Kidney Foundation.)
American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP) with leadership and members of patients, donors, and family caretakers. AAKP maintains a close relationship with Congressional Leadership, advocating policies to improve the protection and treatment of CKD (chronic kidney disease). The ‘Silent Killer’ is referenced CKD that demonstrates few signs or symptoms until the disease is advanced.
Ethnicity and age are relevant in US adults. The Black race is three times more likely, and Latinos are 1.3 times more likely to have kidney failure in comparison to White Americans. The minority population has a higher probability rates of high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease, which all contribute to kidney disease. Individuals 65 or older are the most frequent, along with women needing treatment for kidney failure. My symptoms escalated slowly, preventing a need to report to an Endocrinologist. Looking back, I was experiencing common symptoms: fatigue, brain fog, and memory loss. Cancer treatments and research have provided vast improvements, allowing one to lengthen one’s lifespan.
That ongoing research has been minimal for medications, innovation, or kidney disease. Liver disease, lung decreasing function, pancreas disease, and heart failure are all necessities to maintain life. The treatment for increasing the lifespan of CKD has failed to produce any new medication for as many as fifty years. The introduction of several celebrities admitting to CKD has allowed individuals to share a living or deceased donor. Case managers (CM) have a unique opportunity to provide information, compassion, and empathy for continued life. The waiting time for a donation can be overwhelming, causing stress and unexpected mental depression. Be available to listen when a patient presents with a life-challenging diagnosis.
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Bio: Catherine (Cathy) Campbell, MSN, RN, MBA, CHC, FACHE, CCM has actively participated in in Case Management more than 30 years. Aligned with her involvement, are leadership positions have been Director of Case Management, Chief Nursing Officer, and Chief Executive Officer. These roles coincide with ongoing leadership and regulatory requirements at the county, state, and federal healthcare legislation. Cathy's educational background includes a Master in Nursing leadership and management and Master in Business Administration. Executive positions and education have provided excellent experience in financial management. She continues to advance her education with studies in healthcare ethics and compliance and advancing of healthcare system improvements and the future of nursing. Currently, Catherine is enrolled in a Doctor of Nursing Practice program. Certifications have been achieved in Healthcare Compliance and Ethics, advancing to a Fellow in American College of Healthcare Executives and acquiring certification in Case Management. Cathy volunteers as a Congressional District Public Policy Advocate for AARP. The position proves a direct line to impending healthcare legislation. As a current member of the North Texas American College of Healthcare Executives, volunteer contributions are membership on the Communication Committee, Membership Committee, and Senior executives mentoring program. Local DFWCMSA chapter contributions have included Board of Director Member, Annual Conference Committee Chair, Chapter President, Chapter Public Policy Liaison, Chapter Executive Director and as a speaker at the Fall Workshop and Spring Annual Conference. National contributions include a present member of the CMSA Board of Directors, Chapter Council Representative, National Treasurer and chair of the Audit and Finance Committee. Cathy has contributed her healthcare experience and knowledge by participating as an adjunct faculty member of Western Governors University, Grand Canyon University, and an adjunct faculty member of computer healthcare technology at Southeastern Oklahoma State University. Cathy also consults providing Case Management proficiencies and Population Health. Cathy's dedication and commitment to the vital role of Case Management has been exhibited in voluntary roles at the local chapter level and at the national level. Case Management is an imperative service throughout the healthcare community ensuring optimal continuum and translational care is achieved. Our voice at all levels of legislation is a viable entity, which will prove to be continuing values as the uninsured continues to rise. The implementation of the Accountable Care Act also drives the ongoing involvement of Case Management. Speaking engagements and publications are noted at the local and national levels. Literary contributions have included CMSA Today, Mature Texan, and Texas Case Management.