The National Kidney Foundation’s Patient Advocacy Initiative
NKF's "People Like Us" Making Their Voices Heard Through the Take Action Network!
The NKF's "People Like Us" advocates are learning about and strengthening their voices on public policy issues through the Take Action Network. This electronic advocacy tool provides the latest information about legislation affecting chronic kidney disease, transplantation and donation. Through action alerts, People Like Us advocates are able to easily contact their Members of Congress on important issues including:
- Extending Coverage for Immunosuppressive Drugs - H.R. 3282 seeks to extend Medicare for immunosuppressive drugs for the life of a kidney transplant.. This is a huge step forward to preserve the life of kidney transplants.
- Empowering Patients with Pre-Dialysis Education- H.R. 1245 would create a new Medicare benefit to provide up to 6 classes for patients before they experience kidney failure to help them prepare for some of the physical, emotional and financial issues they face beginning life on dialysis or with a kidney transplant.
Since its launch in April, 2007, the People Like Us Take Action Network includes a significant membership across the United States. As of August, 2007, there are "People Like Us" advocates in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, and at least one volunteer in 397 of the 435 House Congressional Districts. These advocates have generated hundreds of letters to 274 offices in the House of Representatives. To learn more about and join this fast-growing, effective advocacy movement, please go to www.kidney.org/takeaction. Make your voice heard today!
Total People with the Take Action Network: 3198
For month of January, top members of congress contacted by the “Take Action Network”:
Sen. Charles Schumer (NY)
Sen. Hillary Clinton (NY)
Rep. Michael McNulty (DEM-NY-21)
Rep. Christopher Smith (REP-NJ-4)
Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand
Rep Christopher Murphy (CT05)
Last Action Alert: "Grow Support for Congressional Kidney Caucus" sent on January 15, 2008.
Top 3 House of Representatives to receive this Action Alert:
Rep. Michael McNulty (NY21)
Rep. Christopher Smith (NJ04)
Rep. Kristen Gillbrand (NY20)
Top 5 states with the most registered Take Action Members:
New York - 369 registered advocates
Florida - 295 registered advocates
California - 258 registered advocates
Michigan - 178 registered advocates
Pennsylvania - 162 registered advocates
