Earlier this month, the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) welcomed 112 kidney patient advocates from 35 states to Washington, D.C., for the annual Kidney Patient Summit. Over several days, these dedicated individuals—patients, caregivers, living donors, and healthcare professionals—shared their experiences and urged lawmakers to take action on key kidney health issues.
Together, they held an impressive 171 Congressional meetings, amplifying the voices of the more than 35 million Americans living with kidney disease.
Bringing Kidney Policy to the Forefront
Each year, the Kidney Patient Summit centers around critical federal policy priorities.
This year, advocates asked their Members of Congress to:
Fund modernization of the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), making the transplant system more transparent, efficient, and equitable.
Support the Access to Home Dialysis Act, which removes barriers for patients seeking to begin or continue dialysis treatments at home.
Back upcoming legislation to expand the Medicare Kidney Disease Education (KDE) benefit, ensuring more patients receive timely education about kidney disease management and treatment options like home dialysis and transplant.
These policy priorities were brought to life through heartfelt stories, lived experience, and a shared determination to make kidney care better for all.
Equipping Advocates for Impact
Beyond legislative meetings, NKF provided attendees with tools and training to become more effective advocates in their communities. Educational sessions featured in-depth discussions on clinical trials, kidney disease screening, and access to nutrition therapy and innovative treatments. These sessions empowered advocates to stay engaged long after they return home.
A Community in Action
What makes the Kidney Patient Summit so powerful is the collective strength of the people behind it. Each advocate brought a unique perspective—whether from life on dialysis, the transplant journey, caregiving, or donating a kidney—but they were united by a shared mission: to create a future where kidney disease is better prevented, more effectively treated, and ultimately cured.
Ready to make your voice heard? Become a Voices in Kidney Health advocate today.
ความคิดเห็น