Snow Endangers Dialysis Patients in Northeast Ohio; how you can help

ASHTABULA COUNTY, Ohio (WOIO) – Dialysis patients across Northeast Ohio are having trouble getting to their appointments.

Piles of snow make traveling difficult and digging out is almost impossible without help.

If these patients miss treatments, they could end up in the hospital.

In this country, transportation is the biggest barrier to dialysis treatment.

Kelly Dowling, executive director of the Kidney Foundation of Ohio, told 19 News that there are more than 300 dialysis patients in Ashtabula County alone.

The falling snow has left many of them stuck at home with no way to access their treatment.

It’s entirely possible that they could end up in hospital if they miss treatments, which would then result in an ambulance and hospitalization. Additionally, it can be very costly for the patient.

Dowling says patients who receive regular dialysis don’t have the strength to shovel themselves out of the house – and that could only cause more damage.

“I know the few units that are in Ashtabula today are not at full capacity,” Dowling said. “Your patients can’t make it.”

Dowling and the foundation spring into action, even hiring snowplow drivers to get them out.

“We get the plowing systems from other counties and try to get them involved so their driveways can be plowed and they can get to treatment,” she said.

Here you will find resources on how you can help.

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