Press release

American Kidney Fund Statement on Kidney Care National Plan

ROCKVILLE, Md. (Oct. 23, 2026) — LaVarne A. Burton, President and CEO of the American Kidney Fund (AKF), issued the following statement about the Kidney Care National Plan released this week by the Department of Health and Human Services: 

"The American Kidney Fund commends the Department of Health and Human Services for prioritizing kidney patients in its Kidney Care National Plan and elevating kidney health as a critical national imperative. By prioritizing research and innovation, emphasizing the need for investment in preventive care and early detection, and continuing to modernize the transplant system, more lives can and will be saved. 

"AKF is committed to collaborating with leaders in the kidney community, policymakers and HHS to reshape the future of kidney care in the U.S. and improve health outcomes for all those affected by kidney disease."  

About the American Kidney Fund

The American Kidney Fund (AKF) fights kidney disease on all fronts as the nonprofit with the greatest direct impact on people with kidney disease. AKF works on behalf of the 1 in 7 American adults living with kidney disease, and the millions more at risk, with an unmatched scope of programs that support people wherever they are in their fight against kidney disease—from prevention through post-transplant living. AKF fights for kidney health for all through programs that address early detection, disease management, financial assistance, clinical research, innovation and advocacy. AKF is one of the nation’s top-rated nonprofits, investing 96 cents of every donated dollar in programs, and it has received more than 25 consecutive 4-star ratings from Charity Navigator as well as the Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid, formerly known as GuideStar.

For more information, please visit KidneyFund.org, or connect with AKF on Facebook, Bluesky, X, Instagram and LinkedIn.