Ensuring adequate funding for kidney research and promoting innovation
Kidney disease affects 37 million Americans — far more than many other diseases. Yet federally funded research for kidney disease has lagged compared with many other diseases.
Kidney disease affects 37 million Americans — far more than many other diseases. Yet federally funded research for kidney disease has lagged compared with many other diseases. This has slowed innovation in the diagnosis and treatment of a disease that is the fastest-growing noncommunicable disease in the United States.
To address the underfunding of kidney disease research, AKF supports efforts to:
- Increase appropriations funding for the National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Disease (NIDDK), which is a part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). NIDDK conducts and supports medical research and research training and disseminates science-based information on kidney diseases.
- Increase funding for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Chronic Kidney Disease Initiative, which is designed to provide public health strategies for promoting kidney health.
- Increase funding for KidneyX, the Kidney Innovation Accelerator Program, a public-private partnership to accelerate innovation in preventing, diagnosing and treating kidney diseases.
Take action on current issues
Keeping policymakers informed is critical in the fight against kidney disease. Add your voice to thousands of other voices in our Advocacy Network and help us make a difference!
Please email your members of Congress today and let them know that you are a kidney voter who urges them to take decisive action to help kidney patients.
Please contact your U.S. Representative and U.S. Senators to ask them to cosponsor the Living Donor Protection Act that will ensure that individuals who give the gift of life are protected from discrimination and are encouraged to help those in desperate need.
Medigap, or Medicare Supplement insurance, is private insurance available to Medicare beneficiaries to cover costs that Medicare does not cover.
This bill is a crucial first step in addressing our nation's growing need to prevent and address kidney disease. Please contact your U.S. Representative today and ask them to cosponsor this important piece of legislation.
