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National Kidney Foundation

About the National Kidney Foundation

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More than 20 million Americans - one in nine adults - have chronic kidney disease (CKD) and most don't even know it. More than 20 million others are at increased risk.

The mission of the National Kidney Foundation is to prevent kidney and urinary tract disease, improve the health and well-being of individuals and families affected by these diseases, and increase the availability of all organs for transplantation.

National Kidney Foundation

Contributions
  • Contributions from individuals and corporate sponsorships make it possible for the National Kidney Foundation and our 51 Affiliates across the USA to deliver programs to support our vision - "Making Lives Better" for people on dialysis, people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and those in need of vital organ transplants.
    • The NKF and Affiliates utilize approximately 82% of donation dollars on patient and community services, public and professional education and research.
    • Special events such as Cadillac Invitational Golf Tournaments, Kidney Cars (donate your car program) and Kidney Walks contribute greatly to raising funds that support NKF programs.
Advocacy
  • Bringing the issues that touch the lives of our constituents to the key decision makers on Capitol Hill is the focus of our Government Relations Division located in Washington DC.
    • NKF is working nationally and within individual states on legislation to assist donors with expenses related to living organ donation and to increase awareness of the critical need for life saving organ donation.
    • NKF continues to work through the Congressional Kidney Caucus to increase congressional awareness of CKD and to coordinate legislative efforts in shaping health policy.
Research
  • The NKF research program is dedicated to finding the ultimate cure to end kidney and urologic disease.
    • NKF and its Affiliates awarded over 5 million dollars in research funding in 2002-03.
    • NKF is the leading non-profit source of funds for research and programs related to optimal care for people with chronic kidney disease. NKF has developed CKD clinical practice guidelines that have been adopted in the USA and internationally.
Education
  • The NKF is fully devoted to providing comprehensive public, patient and professional CKD education through our Kidney Learning System - KLSTM. Visit www.nkfkls.org.
    • NKF's professional and patient councils, Journals and Annual Clinical Meetings provide a wealth of information and support pertinent to CKD and organ donation.
    • KEEPTM (Kidney Early Evaluation Program) is a free CKD screening, prevention and education program targeting the "at risk" population. It has over 25,000 participants to date and is conducted by local Affiliates. Visit www.keeponline.org.
Support for patients
  • NKF has developed comprehensive CKD stage specific, patient education materials, programs and interactive media.
    • The NKF has established the Donor Family Council, Patient and Family Council and the TransAction Council to provide a network of support and information for over 50,000 members. Newsletters as well as online message boards, chats and nationwide educational programs are provided free of charge.
    • The NKF network of 51 Affiliates work locally to help needy patients access a variety of support services. Some Affiliates are able to help with basic necessities such as electricity, medication or transportation to dialysis treatment.
    • The NKF has organized the US Transplant Games, a biennial olympic style event, since 1990, for all recipients of an organ transplant as well as the entire transplant community. The next Games to be held in Minneapolis in July 2004 will attract over 10,000 people including 2,000 athletes, donor families, living donors, and spectators to celebrate the 50th anniversary of transplantation.

Founded in 1950 and headquartered in New York City, the NKF, its 51 Affiliates and over 30,000 medical and lay volunteers, are dedicated to "Making Lives Better" for people on dialysis, people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and those in need of vital organ transplants.

For more information about NKF and its Affiliates, please visit www.kidney.org.