DIALYSIS AT NATIONAL CONVENTION

During this year's annual convention of the National Federation of the Blind in Atlanta, Georgia (Wednesday, June 30, through Tuesday, July 6), dialysis will be available. Individuals requiring dialysis must have a transient patient packet and physician's statement filled out prior to treatment. Conventioneers must have their unit contact the desired location in the Atlanta area for instructions, well in advance. NOTE:

The convention will take place at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis, 265 Peachtree Center, in downtown Atlanta.

Individuals will be responsible for, and must pay out of pocket, prior to each treatment, the approximately $30 not covered by Medicare, plus any additional physician's fees, and any charges for other medications.

DIALYSIS CENTERS SHOULD SET UP TRANSIENT DIALYSIS LOCATIONS AT LEAST THREE MONTHS IN ADVANCE. THIS HELPS ASSURE A LOCATION FOR ANYONE WANTING TO DIALYZE. There are many centers in the Atlanta area, but that area is quite large, so early reservation is strongly recommended, if you would avoid long taxi rides!

Here are some dialysis locations:

* Dialysis Clinic Inc.—Piedmont, 120 Piedmont Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA 30303; telephone: (404) 888-4510.

* Dialysis Clinic Inc.—West Peachtree, 820 West Peachtree Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30308; telephone: (404) 888-4520.

* Gambro Healthcare (on Ralph McGill), 448 Ralph McGill Blvd., Atlanta, GA 30312; telephone: (404) 872-7211.

* Gambro Healthcare Atlanta, 400 Decatur Street, Atlanta, GA 30312 telephone: (404) 577-9097.

* Gambro Healthcare Peachtree, 524 W Peachtree Street, Atlanta, GA 30308; telephone: (404) 249-1563.

PLEASE REMEMBER TO SCHEDULE DIALYSIS TREATMENTS EARLY, TO ENSURE SPACE. If scheduling assistance is needed, have your dialysis unit's social worker contact: Diabetes Action Network President Ed Bryant at (573) 875-8911. See you in Atlanta!