by Ed Bryant
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Ed Bryant
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����������� From the Editor: Ed Bryant is President of the Diabetes Action Network of the National Federation of the Blind. The following is important information for some convention attendees to know about:
During this year's annual convention of the National Federation of the Blind in Philadelphia, Sunday, July 1, through Saturday, July 7, dialysis will be available. Those 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 Philadelphia area for instructions well in advance. The convention will take place at the Philadelphia Downtown Marriott, 1201 Market Street.
���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 two months in advance. This helps assure a location for anyone wanting to dialyze. Philadelphia has many centers, but the area is quite large, so early reservation is strongly recommended to avoid long taxi rides. Here are some dialysis locations:
* BMA of Central Philadelphia, 417 North 8th, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19123; telephone: (215) 413‑3050. Contact: Alicia Ilagan. Very close to Marriott.
* Gambro Spring Garden, 3836 Spring Garden, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104; telephone: (215) 382‑8511. Contact: Lou Molina, Social Worker. Fairly close to the Marriott.
* Franklin Dialysis Centers, Inc., 700 Spruce Street, #401, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107; telephone: (215) 829‑5650. Farthest from the Marriott.
���Please remember to schedule dialysis treatments early to ensure space. If scheduling assistance is needed, have your dialysis unit's social worker contact me: Diabetes Action Network President Ed Bryant, telephone: (573) 875‑8911. See you in Philadelphia.