KIMBERLY RUSSO. CEO of the George Washington Hospital (Washington, D.C.)
On the top challenge
"The Washington, D.C. region has one of the highest incidences of end-stage renal disease in the country, resulting in an urgent and high demand for kidney transplantation. In 2015, GW Hospital opened the GW Transplant Institute to help address this vital health matter and expand access for underserved populations."
On the hospital's response
"In addition to offering complex kidney transplants, we have made a concerted effort to go to the communities most affected and provide preventive services and information. We established community partnerships with the Minority Organ Tissue Transplant Education Program and The GW Ron & Joy Paul Kidney Center to bring awareness to kidney disease and offer screenings, particularly in D.C.'s Wards 7 and 8 where kidney disease is most prevalent.
Through this effort, we have reached hundreds of thousands with information and have provided hundreds with access to free screenings. In only a few years, we have made strides in addressing this issue and we remain committed to continuing our effort to reduce kidney disease and save lives across the District for years to come."