GRAND JUNCTION, Colorado—Nuclear Care Partners, a provider of specialized in-home care for former Department of Energy (DOE) and nuclear weapons workers, announced the launch of Care+ Kidney, designed specifically for former atomic workers living with chronic kidney disease.
Care+ Kidney delivers patient-personalized approaches to managing chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Nursing care under this program is fully covered for eligible patients under the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act (EEOICPA).
Nuclear Care Partners said Care+ Kidney was created in response to a clear gap in care for former DOE workers, many of whom now face serious kidney conditions linked to toxic workplace exposure, including heavy metals, asbestos and solvents. The program reinforces nephrologists' treatment plans by ensuring continuity of care in the home and providing ongoing clinical oversight to meet the complex needs of this underserved population.
"We created Care+ Kidney because too many former atomic workers were falling through the cracks," said Jenna Noem, co-founder and CEO of Nuclear Care Partners. "These are individuals who sacrificed their health in service to our country and yet, until now, there was no comprehensive kidney care program built specifically for them. Care+ Kidney closes that gap by delivering specialized, no-cost, in-home support that honors their service and meets their special health needs."
By extending and supporting the nephrologist's plan of care in the home, Care+ Kidney aims to reduce hospitalizations, improve treatment adherence, slow disease progression and relieve the burden on family members.
"This is what care for chronic kidney disease should look like," said Patrick Howe, executive vice president at Nuclear Care Partners. "Care+ Kidney was designed to support patients through every stage of CKD and ESRD with the in-home clinical care, education and advocacy they need to stay healthier, longer. Working hand-in-hand with nephrologists, our skilled nurses deliver personalized care that truly makes a difference."
Care+ Kidney is now available in coordination with nephrologists, dialysis centers and providers to support former nuclear weapons workers.