AAKP to Host its 50th Annual National Patient Meeting in Dallas This October

AAKP to Host Its 50th Annual National Patient Meeting in Dallas, Texas

The American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP), recognized as the oldest and largest advocacy organization for kidney patients in the United States, is gearing up for a significant event—the 50th Annual National Patient Meeting. Scheduled to take place from October 3rd to 5th, 2025, at the Doubletree by Hilton in Fort Worth, Texas, this landmark conference promises to be the largest hybrid kidney patient gathering in the U.S. with an expanding international audience.

This year’s meeting theme, "50 Proud Years of Patient Education, 50 Years of Saving Lives, 50 Years of Saving Livelihoods," emphasizes the long-standing commitment of AAKP towards enhancing patient education and advocacy. The conference will showcase a lineup of distinguished speakers and influencers from various sectors of the kidney community, including notable patient advocates, government officials, medical professionals, and representatives from academia and the private sector.

Among the topics slated for discussion are cutting-edge advancements in kidney-related research and technology, including developments in Cardiovascular-Renal-Metabolic Health, AI applications, artificial organs like xenotransplants, infection prevention, anemia management, and improvements in veterans' kidney health. Furthermore, the meeting will introduce new, patient-developed decision-making tools designed to facilitate patient engagement in their own healthcare.

The AAKP has historically played a vital role in shaping healthcare policy related to renal disease. Notably, in 2019, the organization launched the Decade of the Kidney™, a campaign intended to redirect national focus towards unmet patient needs and to eliminate regulatory and financial barriers preventing earlier disease intervention and innovation.

Through its comprehensive initiatives, AAKP has redefined kidney disease as not only a health issue but also a workforce concern, noting the adverse impacts that outdated treatments, particularly hemodialysis, have on patient employment, independence, and quality of life.

The organization is also known for managing KidneyVoters™, a non-partisan program designed to bolster voter registration among kidney patients, organ donors, transplant recipients, and kidney health professionals.

About AAKP

Founded in 1969, AAKP is a patient-led initiative focused on steering discussions and policies surrounding kidney care and innovations, aimed at improving the lives of individuals affected by kidney diseases. AAKP patient advocates were instrumental during the establishment of Medicare coverage for dialysis and kidney transplants, a significant achievement that has transformed the landscape of kidney health care. Recent successes include the bipartisan law enhancing oversight of the Organ Procurement and Transplant Network and the Executive Order targeting advancements in American kidney health.

As the National Patient Meeting approaches, AAKP encourages stakeholders within the kidney community to engage in these pivotal conversations. For the latest updates and more information, visit their official website or follow AAKP on social media platforms.