Legacy for Kidney Health

Caring for Our Legacy

The Legacy Committee is focused on improving the quality of life for individuals with kidney disease, preventing diabetes (largest contributor to kidney failure) and supporting innovation in kidney research and dialysis innovation.

Our funding came from the legacy of Mount Baker Kidney Center (MBKC), a nonprofit outpatient dialysis center which served Whatcom County for nearly 40 years. We seek to honor the hopes and contributions of MBKC founders, physicians, staff, patients, families, and the community that made Mount Baker Foundation possible.

Kidney Health Awareness. Designed to broadly inform the community of the role of kidneys in our life and health, how to take care of them and how to engage with healthcare providers to learn more.
Prevention of Diabetes. The most significant contributor to kidney failure is diabetes. The Legacy Committee supports the Diabetes Prevention Coalition, a group of stakeholders representing numerous communities and the organizations which serve them. Add mission and Vision:
Innovations in Kidney Research and Dialysis. The Legacy Committee maintains an on-going relationship with the University of Washington’s Kidney Research Institute (KRI) and Center for Dialysis Innovation (CDI), seeking ways to facilitate innovation to improve the lives of people on dialysis. The first official dialysis center was opened at the University of Washington in 1962. The KRI and CDI work with leaders across the globe to improve the treatment of individuals requiring this care.
Peer 2 Peer Mentorship and Support Group. Mount Baker Foundation offers peer to peer mentorship support and a support group for those with chronic kidney disease. Learn more by contacting us!
Supporting the Journey to Transplant. The journey to transplant can be complex. Mount Baker Foundation offers resources to make it less overwhelming. We can also help with out of pocket costs for eligible individuals, and offer a Peer 2 Peer Mentorship program that matches you with an individual who has already had a transplant. Find out if transplantation may be an option for you.
Assistance, Dental Assistance and Scholarship funds. Mount Baker Foundation provides financial assistance for eligible low income individuals on dialysis or seeking transplant. We provide assistance in three areas: General Assistance, such as short-term funding for housing, transportation and utilities; Dental assistance for emergency care or transplant clearance; and scholarships are available to individuals with kidney disease who must transform their lives due to their health condition or treatment such as dialysis, and to healthcare providers who want to increase their education levels and serve the kidney health population.

The Impact our Grants Make

$250,000

Kidney Research Institute

For the purchase of sophisticated microscopes for research on “kidney on a chip” and other programs benefitting kidney patients.

$500,000

Center for Dialysis Innovation - University of Washington

Funding to support the Intelligent Vascular Access project. Vascular access is one of the key challenges for dialysis patients due to need to replace and infection.

1,000,000

Kidney Research Institute – University of Washington

$100,000 for each of 10 years to fund a graduate level fellowship for an underrepresented minority who will work in the Kidney Research Institute.

$44,000

YMCA Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring Program

High blood pressure and diabetes are the two primary causes of kidney failure. Mount Baker Foundation provided this grant to support the startup of the Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring program through the YMCA, empowering people to take charge of their own health.

$100,000

Health Ministries Network

MBF provided this 2 year grant to expand Health Ministries Network of faith-based congregations with focus on diversity of congregations served, increasing the number of their community health workers, and programmatic support for diabetes prevention and kidney health awareness.

Focus Areas

Ways to Get Engaged!

Join us in our work to increase kidney health awareness, prevent diabetes, and to support those living with kidney disease.