SXU to Host Free Kidney and Diabetes Screening
Saint Xavier University (SXU) will hold a free kidney and diabetes health screening on Tuesday, March 31, for all community members. The screening will be held in the Fourth Floor Boardroom from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
SXU's School of Nursing's Alpha Omicron Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International and Students for H.O.P.E. (Helping Organ Procurement Education) are partnering with the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois for the event. Anyone interested in getting screened for kidney disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes is encouraged to attend. Family and friends are welcome to get screened as well.
Each year, kidney disease kills more people than breast or prostate cancer, but while the majority of Americans can recite the common tests for breast and prostate cancer, many do not know the risk factors and tests that could keep them off dialysis and the transplant waiting list. Because kidney disease often develops slowly with few symptoms, it can frequently go undetected until it is very advanced. Sigma Theta Tau and Students for H.O.P.E. are proud to bring this life-saving screening opportunity to the SXU campus community.
This is the third screening hosted by Saint Xavier. In the first screening of 2025, 35.6% of participants tested showed abnormal results in one or more areas, and in the second screening, 50% of participants tested showed abnormal results. Nearly 10% of those participants were referred for immediate care. Many participants were found to have high protein in their urine, high blood sugar and high blood pressure. The results highlight the importance of the KidneyMobile® program in the communities they serve throughout Illinois.
"SXU Students for H.O.P.E. is elated to co-host our third kidney screening. Not only has the event been a great way to bring people together, it has provided people an opportunity to realize health concerns they would not otherwise have been able to realize. This event is a great, free way for people to get screened for potential critical health concerns," said John McNamara, Students for H.O.P.E. president.
The screening will be offered by the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois' KidneyMobile®, the nation's only custom mobile unit that travels across the state screening individuals for kidney disease and its two main causes: diabetes and high blood pressure. In addition to a free screening, attendees will also be able to talk privately with a nurse or doctor about their results.
Appointments are not necessary, but attendees can pre-register by completing the screening questionnaire. Participants must be 18 years or older. To learn more, visit the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois' website.