Financial Difficulties Are Being Blamed On The Closure Of A Local Kidney Foundation. A Spokesperson For The East Tennessee Branch Of The National Organization, Told The Johnson City Press They’re Consolidating Services So They Can Continue To Serve Residents. Eight Employees Were Laid Off And Officials Attribute The Action To A Decline In Overall Contributions And In The Kidney Cars Donation Program. The National Kidney Foundation Will Continue Offering Services In Knoxville And Through Its Nashville Office And With Local Volunteers And Community Partners.