#United States #Dallas #Patient Advocacy #Kidney Patients #AAKP

AAKP Hosts 50th Annual National Patient Meeting

The American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP), the nation's oldest and largest kidney patient advocacy organization, is gearing up for its 50th Annual National Patient Meeting. The event is scheduled to take place from October 3 to October 5, 2025, at the Doubletree by Hilton in Fort Worth, Texas. It's anticipated to be a landmark conference serving as a platform for education, advocacy, and collaboration in the realm of kidney health

A Milestone Celebration

This year marks a significant milestone for AAKP, celebrating fifty years of patient education and advocacy that have profoundly impacted the lives of individuals affected by kidney disease. The theme of this year’s event, "50 Proud Years of Patient Education, 50 Years of Saving Lives, 50 Years of Saving Lifestyles," reflects the organization's dedication to improving kidney health and outcomes. AAKP's National Patient Meeting is recognized as the largest hybrid gathering for kidney patients in the United States, drawing an increasing number of international attendees.

Diverse Line-Up of Speakers

The event will feature a diverse roster of influential speakers from various sectors within the kidney health community. Attendees can expect to hear from patient advocates, U.S. government officials, medical professionals, academics, and representatives from both private industry and nonprofit organizations. The program will cover a wide range of vital topics, including:

• - Recent advancements in kidney-related research and technologies
• - Insights into cardiovascular health and its connection with kidney disease
• - Information on artificial intelligence and its potential to transform kidney care
• - Discussions surrounding organ transplantation, including xenotransplantation
• - Strategies for infection prevention and management of anemia
• - Improvements in the care for veterans with kidney diseases
• - New shared decision-making tools developed by patients

Kidney Disease Awareness Initiative

In a proactive measure to draw attention to the unmet needs of kidney patients, AAKP launched "The Decade of Kidney" initiative from 2020 through 2030. The aim is to eliminate regulatory and payment barriers that hinder early disease prevention and innovation in treatment options. By reclassifying kidney disease as a critical health and workforce challenge in the U.S., AAKP advocates for systemic changes in how kidney disease is perceived and treated.

The Role of Patient Advocacy

AAKP plays a pivotal role in shaping healthcare policies that affect kidney patients. Historically, the organization has been instrumental in securing Medicare coverage for dialysis and transplants, a significant victory in 1972 authorized by Congress. Over the past decade, AAKP’s advocates have contributed to landmark reforms, including bipartisan legislation that modernized the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) and secured lifetime transplant medication coverage for kidney recipients.

Engaging the Community

AAKP continues to expand its impact by conducting nonpartisan voter registration programs, such as "KidneyVoters," which empowers kidney patients and stakeholders within the kidney health community to engage in the political process. The organization also utilizes social media platforms to maintain connection and communication with its growing audience, underscoring its commitment to reaching and serving patients across various demographics effectively.

Join Us in Dallas

Whether you're a patient, caregiver, healthcare professional, or advocate, the 50th Annual National Patient Meeting promises to be an informative and engaging experience. By attending, participants will gain valuable insights into the future of kidney health and join a vibrant community dedicated to making a difference in the lives of those affected by kidney disease. For more details and to register, visit AAKP's official website.

Stay connected with AAKP on their social media channels: @kidneypatient on Facebook, @kidneypatients on Twitter, and @kidneypatients on Instagram for the latest updates leading up to the event and beyond.