Combating renal disease in Puerto Rico is a growing challenge
as every thirty minutes your kidneys (each the size of a child’s fist) filter all the blood in your body—removing wastes, toxins, and excess fluid. They also help control blood pressure, stimulate the production of red blood cells, keep your bones healthy, and regulate blood chemicals that are essential to life.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, about 30 million US adults are estimated to have renal disease, and most are undiagnosed—kidney diseases being the ninth leading cause of death in the country. Diabetes and high blood pressure are the leading cause of kidney failure, representing about 3 out of 4 new cases in America alone.
This is why, as part of Abarca’s Oasis Community Program (OCCP), the Renal Council of Puerto Rico was chosen as one of four nonprofit organizations to benefit from grants and volunteer support to be received throughout the next year.
Leadership and Partnerships
Abarca’s President & CEO, Jason Borschow, Nayda Rivera (President of the Oasis Community Committee), alongside Angela Díaz (Director of the Renal Council of PR), as well as the Abarcan volunteer team.
The Renal Council of Puerto Rico and Renal Disease Prevention
Renal Council of Puerto Rico was established to reduce renal disease in Puerto Rico through promotion, protection, and prevention.
A Multidisciplinary Approach to Renal Health
The organization resorts to a comprehensive and multidisciplinary service system that starts with:
- Research on Renal Disease in Puerto Rico
- Early detection through renal screening clinics
- Education and awareness on kidney health
- Treatment and complementary medical services
- Quality control and patient safety
- Development of public policy for renal health
Abarcans’ Contribution Through the Oasis Community Program
Abarcans will contribute to the update of an electronic platform that allows clinical laboratories throughout PR to report renal function data obtained from the Glomerular Filtration index, an important indicator to detect renal disease at early stages.
Data and Technology to Combat Renal Disease in Puerto Rico
A function to generate maps will also be added, to visualize received data by region and municipality for the benefit of epidemiology reports.
Preventing and Treating Renal Disease
Preventing renal disease is possible by educating at-risk populations, engaging in early intervention practices, and managing risk factors.
Slowing Progression and Reducing Complications
Treating the disease to slow its progression and reduce the risk of complications due to chronic kidney disease is also possible, and the data collected is vital to help achieve this.
The Abarcan Volunteer Committee
The Abarcan OCCP volunteer committee for this organization will be led by María Monserrate, and mentored by Juan C. Ruiz, Chief Technology Officer.
A Strong Volunteer Team
The core team of Abarcans also includes: Josué Vélez, Orlando Santiago, Pardeep Kumar, Coral Cotto, and David Capó. The self-nominated squad will participate in leadership trainings as part of the organizational development program Abarcan Growth.
Inspiring Change Together
We hope that their story inspires and encourages you to support them in this noteworthy cause. What’s more, we look forward to witnessing the power of Abarcans at work, putting forth their time and effort to help find a better way and make healthcare awesome for everyone.
Learn More
Learn more about the Renal Council of PR and their services and programs, as well as prevention and risk management of renal diseases.
About Abarca
At Abarca, we believe in an Unstoppable Drive for a Better Way. Our commitment to making healthcare seamless and personalized for all drives us to innovate in AI, drug trend management, and predictive analytics. By transforming challenges into opportunities, we deliver PBM like no one else: better patient outcomes and a revolutionary healthcare experience. Join us in shaping the future at the intersection of technology and care!