Statement from Kevin Longino, CEO of the National Kidney Foundation and a kidney transplant recipient on reports of harms in the transplant system.
New York City, NY – (July 21, 2025) “The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) is deeply concerned by reports of harm to donor patients and their families. Unsafe procurement practices are unacceptable and undermine public trust in the donation system. The donation process must be safe, reliable, and compassionate for every individual involved. Patients who become donors—and their loved ones—must be treated with the dignified care that honors the magnitude of their generosity.
While adverse events are rare, they must never be minimized. Every instance of harm is one too many. When problems are identified, we support policies that can quickly resolve issues, leaving no question that deceased donation is a safe, important, and meaningful way to create a legacy by giving the gift of life. Organ donors are among the most generous and selfless patients in our healthcare system. When someone joins the donor registry or their family authorizes donation, they do so to save lives. That choice deserves the highest standard of care, respect, and dignity.
NKF supports strong accountability and transparency across the transplant ecosystem. That includes ensuring safety for donors, improving equity in access for recipients, and building a system that honors every gift while saving as many lives as possible. Every organization in the transplant ecosystem must recognize and own their part of that accountability. They must make proactive and ongoing improvements to assure safety and trust for patients and their loved ones. The more than 90,000 people waiting for a kidney transplant are counting on that.”
Celebrating 75 Years of Excellence
For 75 years, The National Kidney Foundation has been a leader in advancing kidney health, working to ensure that every person has access to high-quality, patient-centered care—from prevention and diagnosis to transplantation.
As we celebrate this milestone, NKF has launched its 75th Anniversary campaign - a bold initiative aimed at transforming kidney health and patient care by 2030. Our goal is to impact 75 million lives by raising funds to help fulfill the NKF mission, drive innovation, empower patients, and advocate for systemic change in kidney health. To make a difference in the fight against kidney disease, visit DONATE TODAY!
About the National Kidney Foundation
The National Kidney Foundation is revolutionizing the fight to save lives by eliminating preventable kidney disease, accelerating innovation for the dignity of the patient experience, and dismantling structural inequities in kidney care, dialysis, and transplantation. For more information about kidney disease, please visit www.kidney.org
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Media Contact: Paul McGee
paul.mcgee@kidney.org
716.523.6874