U.S. Renal Care announces construction of new dialysis center in Oklahoma

U.S. Renal Care, Inc. (USRC), a leading privately-held provider of outpatient dialysis services, today announced it has started construction of a dialysis center in Grove, Oklahoma, the company's first in the state. The center, expected to open in December 2010, will bring the company's patient total to more than 5,500 served across 85 dialysis centers, home and specialty hospital dialysis programs and facilities. The expansion into northeast Oklahoma is part of USRC's commitment to serving rural communities without dialysis or nephrology services.

"We're committed to delivering high-quality care to individuals suffering from chronic and acute renal disease in small towns around the country," said Chris Brengard, Chief Executive Officer of U.S. Renal Care. "We were founded 10 years ago with that purpose and continue to look for new opportunities to fulfill that mission. We believe patients, families and communities are healthier and stronger when a state-of-the-art facility is easily accessible. We're proud that our new facility in Grove will offer individuals in northeast Oklahoma, northwest Arkansas and southwest Missouri a convenient solution for their dialysis and nephrology needs."

The new facility will draw patients from a 20-mile radius and is expected to create 15 new local jobs, when the center reaches full maturity. According to local physicians, some individuals in the area are currently driving more than six hours a week to receive necessary care. It is the first facility for USRC in Oklahoma and the company is exploring additional expansion opportunities in the state and elsewhere. The company will soon operate in 10 states including Arkansas, Georgia, Maryland, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia.

"For years, we've dreamed of building a high-quality dialysis center in Grove and we're proud that U.S. Renal Care will help us realize that dream," said Shamsul Alam, M.D., who will be the medical director of the center in Grove. "For many individuals in our community, this is truly a life-changing opportunity. They will now have best-in-class care, around the corner from their homes."