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DENVER--([ BUSINESS WIRE ])--[ DaVita Inc. ] (NYSE: DVA), a leading provider of kidney care services that is committed to improving the quality of life for those diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD), announced today that 44 teammates (employees) received free health insurance as part of its second annual aWe are Wella program.

"Iam five-foot-four, and 50 pounds was a lot of extra weight"

The DaVita aWe are Wella initiative recognizes teammates for being role models for physical activity and taking accountability for their own health.

Winner Leslie Simmons decided to get fit after realizing she was carrying 50 extra pounds after the birth of her son.

aIam five-foot-four, and 50 pounds was a lot of extra weight,a Simmons said. aI tried to design a sensible eating plan. After all, most of us know what to do a" the hard part is doing it!a

Simmons began exercising three times a week, walking around the block, then slowly running. Eventually, she decided to try a triathlon. Ten years later, she has completed countless triathlons and races, and she is gearing up for a 100-kilometer trail run in Vermont this July.

Forty-three other teammates will also receive no-cost teammate-only insurance for 2012, saving over $1,000 for most.

aDaVita is a community first and a company second,a said Kent Thiry, DaVita CEO and chairman. aA big part of being a community is providing citizens with the tools and incentives to help make more healthful decisions.a

Simmons is grateful for the break on health insurance but says that, for her, being celebrated within the DaVita community is even more meaningful.

aThe money is great, but whatas incredibly empowering is being recognized by the Village,a Simmons said. aIam excited to spread the word that everyone has the power to be healthy and fit a" even if you start with baby steps, like I did.a

The aWe are Wella award was created by Village Vitalitya", DaVitaas unique program dedicated to expanding health and wellness throughout the DaVita Village. The Village Vitality mission is to improve the health, total well-being and satisfaction of DaVita teammates by creating and sustaining a culture of health awareness and accountability.

To apply for the We are Well Award, teammates submitted a story detailing their personal goals to live healthier lives or their passion for motivating others. Winners were anonymously selected by a committee and decisions were based on several factors including depth of commitment to health, fulfilling personal goals, overcoming challenging health or fitness obstacles, and inspiring others to consider health and fitness.

DaVita and Village Vitality are trademarks or registered trademarks of DaVita Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

About DaVita

DaVita Inc., a Fortune 500 company, is a leading provider of kidney care in the United States, delivering dialysis services to patients with chronic kidney failure and end stage renal disease. DaVita strives to improve patientsa quality of life by innovating clinical care, and by offering integrated treatment plans, personalized care teams and convenient health-management services. As of Dec. 31, 2011, DaVita operated or provided administrative services at 1,809 dialysis facilities in the United States, serving approximately 142,000 patients. The company also operated 11 outpatient dialysis centers located in three countries outside the United States. DaVita supports numerous programs dedicated to creating positive, sustainable change in communities around the world. The companyas leadership development initiatives and social responsibility efforts have been recognized by Fortune, Modern Healthcare, Newsweek and WorldBlu. For more information, please visit[ www.davita.com ].