Manitoba Renal Program is excited to announce its partnership with Diabetes Integration Project (DIP) on a new kidney disease screening initiative. The First Nations Community Based Screening to Improve Kidney Health and Prevent Dialysis (FINISHED) project will provide in-community kidney disease screening and treatment to First Nation communities in the Island Lake and West Region Tribal Council regions. The project is the largest of its kind to take place in Manitoba and aims to prevent the need for dialysis through prevention and early detection of kidney disease.
The project was officially announced by Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, Winnipeg Regional Health Authority and Health Canada on Feb. 27.
“This screening can improve health outcomes for these First Nations communities,” said Dr. Catherine Cook, Vice-President of Population and Aboriginal Health with Winnipeg Regional Health Authority. “By diagnosing kidney disease early we can avoid the need for dialysis or emergency care.”
“This is an epidemic,” said Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs’ Grand Chief Derek Nepinak talking about the prevalence of diabetes and kidney failure among First Nations people. “I am excited to see the long-term impact this project will have.”
Approximately 35 per cent of Manitoba Renal Program’s patients are Aboriginal and Manitoba has the second highest rates of end-stage renal disease across Canada. In Manitoba, diabetes is the leading cause of kidney disease.
“We want to prevent people from needing dialysis,” says Dr. Mauro Verrelli, Medical Director with Manitoba Renal Program. “The earlier we can diagnose kidney disease, the better the outcome is for the individual.”
Learn more about the FINISHED project:

• FINISHED Project
• Winnipeg Health Region