#United States #Washington, D.C. #Kidney Care #Nephrology Nurses #Advocacy Forum

ANNA Hosts 2026 Advocacy Forum in Washington D.C.

The upcoming Advocacy Forum by the American Nephrology Nurses Association (ANNA) promises to be a landmark event for nephrology nursing professionals. Scheduled for June 8-9, 2026, this gathering will take place in the heart of Washington D.C., where nephrology nurses will convene to engage with policymakers on crucial issues that affect kidney care.

The forum will serve as a platform for nurses to advocate for policies that enhance access to high-quality kidney care and support the nephrology nursing workforce. With significant insights into the healthcare landscape, attendees will bring their frontline experiences to Capitol Hill, emphasizing the importance of federal policies on patient care and workforce sustainability. According to Michelle Gilliland, the National President of ANNA for the term 2026-2027, “Nephrology nurses see firsthand how federal policy decisions impact patient care, workforce sustainability, and access to lifesaving treatment.” This further underscores the need for their voices to be heard in policymaking arenas.

Participants in the Advocacy Forum will undergo specialized training to prepare them for meetings with members of Congress and their staff. Their advocacy will focus on securing robust funding for essential programs such as the Title VIII Nursing Workforce Development Programs and the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). Additionally, they will seek support for key legislative measures including the Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act, the Living Donor Protection Act, and the Kidney Care Access Protection Act.

The forum's logistics will be managed by Soapbox Consulting, a prominent firm specializing in advocacy and governmental relations. Attendees can expect personalized meeting schedules and advocacy materials, aiding them in navigating discussions with lawmakers on the future of kidney care and the nephrology nursing workforce.

The event not only aims to empower nephrology nurses but also seeks to foster connections that can lead to stronger advocacy for kidney care patients—a group that remains vulnerable in the current healthcare framework.

According to ANNA, this commitment to advocacy has historical roots, established in 1969 when the organization first prioritized the need to advance nephrology nursing through education, mentorship, and legislative involvement. Through these efforts, ANNA encourages its members, who are recognized leaders in their field, to advocate for patient rights, mentor their peers, and engage actively in legislative pursuits.

For those interested in more information or to register for the Advocacy Forum, please visit ANNA's official website. This forum represents a significant opportunity for nephrology nurses to make a real impact on policies that affect the care of millions living with kidney disease, reinforcing their vital role in healthcare policy.

In summary, the 2026 Advocacy Forum stands as a beacon of hope for nephrology nurses and patients alike, rallying advocates to push for the necessary changes in kidney care policy and practice. The voices of those on the frontlines will echo in the halls of Congress, potentially steering the direction of kidney care for the years to come.