Quiana Bishop Elected As President of Dialysis Patient Citizens Board of Directors in Detroit, MI

Quiana Bishop Takes the Helm at Dialysis Patient Citizens

In a significant leadership transition, Quiana Bishop, a devoted dialysis patient from Detroit, Michigan, has officially been elected as the President of the Dialysis Patient Citizens (DPC) Board of Directors. This announcement, made on October 1, 2025, not only highlights Ms. Bishop's commitment to advocacy but also showcases the importance of patient perspectives in shaping healthcare policy. Previously holding the position of Vice President, Ms. Bishop is poised to drive meaningful change as she steps into her new role.

"Joining the Board of Directors at Dialysis Patient Citizens has profoundly changed my life. I transitioned from being just a patient to becoming a voice, a leader, and an advocate for people like me," stated Ms. Bishop. Her journey began after she dedicated eight years to hemodialysis while balancing the challenges of being a single mother to her 20-year-old son. With her background as an elementary school teacher and infant room teacher, she possesses a unique insight into community issues impacting healthcare.

Ms. Bishop's advocacy efforts have gained momentum, enabling her to share her story with lawmakers and effectively push for better policies regarding dialysis care. She emphasizes the urgency of leveraging personal narratives to influence legislative change, reminding her peers that their lived experiences can empower and alter laws impacting their lives. "I'm honored to advocate for others as President of the Board of Directors, and I am committed to helping fellow patient advocates share their stories and shape national kidney care policies," she expressed.

Importance of the Role
As the CEO of Dialysis Patient Citizens, Hrant Jamgochian, noted, the organization is thrilled to welcome Ms. Bishop in this leadership position. "Quiana's advocacy and leadership on the Board have been crucial in advancing our mission to enhance the quality of life for all dialysis patients. We are confident in her ability to continue to foster growth and progress within DPC."

Ms. Bishop's personal experiences in navigating the complexities of dialysis and health insurance have equipped her with perspectives critical to patient advocacy. Her recent letter published in the Detroit Free Press urged Congress to protect dialysis patients’ access to private insurance at a national level. The call to action comes against the backdrop of concerning legal changes that might jeopardize healthcare access for many.

Advocating for Policy Change
Historically, federal regulations permitted patients with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) to maintain employer-sponsored health coverage for 30 months after diagnosis before transitioning to Medicare. This policy was designed to offer a safety net during a vital period of dialysis treatment and potential transplant opportunities. However, recent judicial decisions, such as the Supreme Court ruling in the Marietta Memorial Hospital v. Davita case, have heightened concerns regarding patient protections, necessitating immediate legislative action.

The ruling could compel dialysis patients to give up their employer-sponsored insurance, pushing them onto Medicare sooner than necessary. This is a worrying development that threatens the continuity of their care and the comprehensive support that is often unavailable through Medicare alone. Ms. Bishop is passionately urging her fellow advocates and health policy makers to rally for new protections.

In efforts to restore these crucial patient safeguards, DPC is advocating for the bipartisan Restore Protections for Dialysis Patients Act (S. 1173/H.R. 2199). This proposed legislation aims to restore necessary health insurance access, allowing patients to maintain their coverage comfortably. Henchmen to this initiative include Senators Cory Booker, Bill Cassidy, Kevin Cramer, and Martin Heinrich, along with Representatives Mike Kelly, Yvette Clarke, Neal Dunn, and others, all committed to championing the interests of dialysis patients nationwide.

With her extensive background, unwavering determination, and compassion for fellow patients, Quiana Bishop is ready to navigate this new chapter as President of Dialysis Patient Citizens, advocating not only for herself but for the entire community of dialysis patients seeking better healthcare policies and practices. As she embarks on this journey, her leadership could prove pivotal in reshaping the landscape of kidney care in the United States.