American Association of Kidney Patients Inc

“The Form 990 is reviewed in detail by the Finance Committee. The Finance Committee approves the return. Copies of the Form 990 are provided to all Board members prior to the return being filed.”

“All members of the Board of Directors and employees of AAKP receive a copy of the conflict of interest policy. The Executive Director and all Board members are required to complete and sign the Conflict of Interest Questionnaire and Confidentiality Agreement indicating that they have been and are in compliance with this policy.”

“The President conducts an annual review of the Executive Director's performance and recommends any adjustment to salary to the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee approves raises for the Executive Director.”

“The Form 990 is reviewed in detail by the Executive Director, Director of Office Operations, Contract CFO, and Officers. The Officers are responsible for final approval of the return. Copies of the Form 990 are provided to all Board members prior to the return being filed. The Final 990 and Audit is made available on the organization's website.”

“The Final 990 and Audit is made available on the organization website.”

“The American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP) is the oldest and largest fully independent kidney patient organization in the U.S.A. Founded in 1969 by six dialysis patients, with doctor encouragement, our Founders helped create the End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) program, saving over one million lives since 1973. Our skilled Patient Members, Board of Directors, and Patient Ambassadors serve as advocates in Washington, D.C., and via the organization's online advocacy Action Center, so AAKP never uses professional lobbyists as substitutes for the independent patient voice. Mission: AAKP is dedicated to improving the lives and long-term outcomes of kidney patients through education, advocacy, patient engagement, and the fostering of patient communities. Vision: AAKP fights for early disease detection and the appropriate diagnosis of rare/genetic conditions; increased kidney transplantation and pre-emptive transplantation; full patient choice of either in-center or home dialysis; protection of the patient/physician relationship; promotion of research and innovation including artificial implantable and wearable kidneys and xenotransplantation; and the elimination of barriers for patient access to available treatment options. For over 50 years, AAKP has been driving policy discussions on kidney patient care choice and medical innovation. Over the past decade, AAKP patient advocates have helped advance the passage of the bipartisan law modernizing the Organ Procurement and Transplant Network (OPTN) via greater competition and oversight (2023); lifetime transplant drug coverage for kidney transplant recipients (2020); the presidential Executive Order on Advancing American Kidney Health (2019); new job protections for living organ donors under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) via the U.S. Department of Labor (2018); and Congressional legislation allowing HIV-positive organ transplants for HIV-positive patients (2013). AAKP has long highlighted kidney disease as both a healthcare issue and a workforce issue of national importance. Through education, advocacy, and allied partnerships, AAKP continues to address the needs of the WHOLE person impacted by kidney disease, including the need to work part-time or full-time in a career, job, or trade of their choice so they have the means to pursue their independence, life goals, and aspirations. AAKP represents kidney patients across the full disease spectrum, from individuals at-risk, to early-stage chronic kidney disease (CKD), to those experiencing end stage kidney failure (ESKD), and transplant patients. We are proud of the fact that patients, care partners, organ donors, and allied professionals have helped AAKP build the largest patient consumer and care partner base in the kidney community. Each day, AAKP works diligently to help protect and extend the lives of kidney patients across the country, reaching over one million individuals annually. Viewership for 2024 AAKP signature events and patient education programs exceed 100,000 people across 100 countries and is growing rapidly. International and national program faculty has included a combined 121 medical practitioners, researchers, and patient experts. Since 1969, AAKP has been a patient-led organization driving policy discussions on kidney patient care choice and medical innovation. In 2017, AAKP launched its Veterans Health Initiative to advance research, innovation, and policies aimed at safeguarding the highest standards in kidney care and treatment for veterans managing kidney disease both inside and outside the VA medical system. In 2018, AAKP established the first and largest U.S. kidney voter registration program, KidneyVoters. In 2019 AAKP stood up AAKP Global which expanded the organizations reach internationally. In 2022 AAKP launched its Patient Voice Patient Choice initiative which provides an interactive platform patients and care partners can use to quickly identify current issues impacting care choice and treat”

“to care options for individuals affected by kidney diseases. AAKP fundamentally understands that kidney disease and the health and treatment of kidney patients pose a significant impact on the American taxpayer and the national economy. The cost of kidney disease alone invites constant and intense interest and concern within the Federal government and the U.S. Congress. The costs associated with the disease have spurred multiple Federal initiatives in the past several years designed to increase positive patient outcomes, reduce spending, and increase efficiencies. The move by the Federal government to examine and re-examine many of the cost-drivers within healthcare spending, and specifically within the ESRD program, represents a key reason why AAKP is working aggressively to build our capacities to raise the independent patient voice throughout the Federal policy-making process. In order for AAKP to maintain our leadership in protecting patient interests, and the overlapping interests among allies throughout the broader kidney community including the pharmaceutical industry and providers, we intend to grow our membership numbers, advance our National AAKP Ambassador Initiative, expand our reach internationally and equip kidney patients across the globe with proven and cost-effective training and technologies that make an impact on the policy process. The Center for Patient Engagement and Advocacy was created to leverage AAKP's increased profile and influence in the national public policy process and to expedite implementation of our national strategy to vastly expand patient involvement in the decisions impacting their health outcomes. The AAKP Center for Patient Engagement and Advocacy was created in 2014 to leverage AAKP's increased profile and influence in the national public policy process and to expedite implementation of our National Strategy to vastly expand patient involvement in the decisions that impact their health outcomes. The Center for Patient Engagement and Advocacy brings, under one focused area, all AAKP efforts to build patient and family/caregiver membership in AAKP as well as their participation in existing and emerging AAKP patient health engagement and advocacy programs. At the heart of this Center is the AAKP Ambassador Initiative, launched in 2017, the program has grown to more than 170 + Ambassadors across the U.S. In 2019, AAKP launched the AAKP Global, the global arm of this initiative, and now has Global Ambassadors in countries such as Ireland, Canada, Argentina, United Arab Emirates, Puerto Rico, and many more. Ambassadors are AAKP's most engaged volunteers who utilize their personal experiences and professional skills to contribute to both the AAKP mission and the larger kidney community based on their desire to serve a cause larger than themselves. These individuals also allow AAKP to expand our reach and resources to make a positive impact at the state and local level and globally. Major programs, initiatives, and campaigns within this Center also include The Decade of the Kidney, the Annual Global Summit on Kidney Innovation, the Annual Public Policy Summit, the AAKP Action Center - which includes the AAKP KidneyVoter voter registration campaign and the AAKP Patient Voice Patient Choice initiative. Additionally, as part of the AAKP National Strategy, the Center for Patient Engagement and Advocacy works to engage, train, certify and deploy kidney patients in ways that are the most effective at elevating the patient voice within Federal policy-making circles. This includes critical times when national legislation, health program implementation, regulations or potential delays in the pharmaceutical approval process pose a concern to patient access to quality care or their future healthcare outcomes. AAKP is engaging and encouraging kidney patients and caregivers to participate in substantive opportunities for effective patient engagement and advocacy. To date, AAKP has developed and makes avail”

“National Public Service Award Presented to a public servant whose body of professional work and commitment to advance the interests and well-being of the Nation's kidney patient population through policy, education and activism. Past awardees include Dr. Carolyn Neuland, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration; Dr. Priti Patel, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Dr. Robert Star, National Institute of Health; and Elena Balovlenkov, MS, RN, CHH, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services; and Dr. Paul Kimmel, National Institute of Health. Medal of Excellence The AAKP Medal of Excellence honors health care professionals who have made significant contributions to the advancement and evolution of direct patient care; encouraged the expansion of the patient engagement model within the renal community; and enhanced the quality of life for kidney patients and their families. The 2024 Medal of Excellence recipients are recognized throughout the calendar year. The 2024 Medal of Excellence Award recipients: Special Recognition: N/A Nephrologist/Physician Category: Barry H. Smith, MD, PhD Transplant Surgeon Category: A. Osama Gaber, MD, FACS, FAST and Steven Potter, MD, FACS Transplant Professional Category: Kenneth A. Newell, MD, PhD and Roslyn B. Mannon, MD, FASN Nursing Category: Anita K. Sites, MSN, RN, AG-ACNP-BC, CCTC Dietetic Category: Michelle Cook, RD, CSR, LD Dialysis Technician Category: Ryan White, CCHT Social Worker Category: Sharyn Kreitzer, MSW Presidential Volunteer Service Awards AAKP is a PVSA-authorized and certifying organization and the largest organization in the kidney space that participates in this important American initiative. In 2020, AAKP launched its inaugural PVSA program, and twenty-nine kidney advocates received recognition from President Donald J. Trump for their work to educate high-risk immunosuppressed and immunocompromised kidney patients on threats posed by COVID-19. The PVSA was founded by President George W. Bush in the aftermath of the terror attacks of September 11, 2001, as one of several initiatives, including the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation, designed to encourage and exemplify the strength of outstanding American volunteerism and community engagement. The award program has continued under successive presidential administrations. The PVSA program is led by AmeriCorps (formerly the Corporation for National and Community Service), an organization whose vision originated in the administration of President William J. Clinton, and is managed in partnership with Points of Light, an organization whose vision is rooted in the administration of President George H.W. Bush. In 2022, President Joseph R. Biden recognized a number of AAKP patients and advocates with a U.S. PVSA. Six AAKP leaders received the President's Lifetime Achievement Award, the highest level of recognition that is unique and recognizes an exemplary level of volunteerism to build a stronger nation through volunteer service, including the investment of thousands of hours of personal time and professional expertise. The AAKP members who received the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, as well as PVSA awards at the gold, silver, and bronze levels, are nationally known advocates deeply involved in efforts to impact kidney science, innovation, and policy through collaborations with top kidney scientists, elected and appointed leaders, federal agencies, investors, major companies and startups, and nearly every major academic research center and university involved in kidney research. President's Lifetime Achievement Award: " Richard Knight (MD), former dialysis patient,16-year transplant recipient; AAKP President; Member, National Institutes of Health/NIDDK Strategic Planning Committee; Co-Chair, Community Engagement Committee, NIH/NIDDK Kidney Precision Medicine Project; Member, Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR) Visiting Committee; 2017 recipient, American Society of Nephrology's Pres”

“PVSA Silver Medal: " Melissa Bensouda (TX), former transplant recipient, current home hemodialysis patient; AAKP National Ambassador; 2020 PVSA recipient " Dr. Muralidharan Jagadeesan (DC), Associate Professor of Medicine, the Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension and Chairman of Transplant Medicine; Medical Director, Kidney-Pancreas Transplant Program at the George Washington School of Medicine and Health Sciences; Faculty and Planning Committee Member, AAKP/GWU Global Summit on Kidney Innovations; 2020 PVSA recipient " Katina Lang-Lindsey, PhD, LMSW (AL), former dialysis patient, current transplant recipient; Assistant Professor, A&M University; AAKP National Ambassador; 2020 recipient, AAKP Patient Safety Award; 2020 PVSA recipient " Dammeon Marshall, MSW (GA), MSW; kidney disease patient; self-employed/entrepreneur; AAKP National Ambassador; 2020 PVSA recipient " James Myers (IN), former dialysis patient, current transplant recipient; AAKP National Board of Director and National Ambassador; Chair, AAKP Strategic Communications Committee; Chair, AAKP Pediatric Kidney Pals Initiative; 2015 recipient, Inaugural AAKP National Social Media Education and Advocacy Award; 2020 PVSA recipient " Sharron Rouse (MD), former dialysis patient, current transplant recipient; AAKP National Ambassador; Founder, Kindness for Kidneys International; 2020 recipient, AAKP Support Group of the Year Award; Co-Chair, 2020 AAKP National Patient Meeting; AAKP Peer Mentor; 2020 PVSA recipient " Lana Schmidt, MBA (IL), former home hemodialysis patient, current transplant recipient; AAKP National Board of Director and National Ambassador; Member, AAKP Strategic Communications Committee; 2020 PVSA recipient PVSA Bronze Medal: " Catherine Campbell, DNP, RN, MBA, CHC, CCM, FACHE (TX), pre-emptive transplant recipient; AAKP National Board of Director and National Ambassador; Member, the Patient Engagement and Return of Results Committee and Community Advisory Board Committee for the National Institutes of Health Kidney Precision Medicine Project; Working Group Member, International T Cell-Mediated Rejection Project " Sara Eve Schaeffer, MBA, MA, RD (FL), AAKP National Board of Director; VP, Strategic Operations, Healthmap Solutions; former Executive Director, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' kidney contracts for Health Services Advisory Group " Shameka Ausborn (FL), former transplant recipient, current home hemodialysis patient; AAKP National Ambassador; AAKP Peer Mentor " Gitthaline "Candie" Gagne (PA), former dialysis patient, current transplant recipient; AAKP National Ambassador; Retired Navy Hospital Corpsman; Certified Surgical Technologist " Christine Hernandez, RN, BSN (IL), registered nurse, current in-center hemodialysis patient; AAKP National Ambassador " Terry Litchfield (WI), former caregiver to husband who was a long-term dialysis patient; AAKP National Ambassador " Roberta "Bobbie" Reed (PA), caregiver to son who is a transplant recipient; AAKP National Ambassador " Cecilia Santana (NY), former dialysis patient, current transplant recipient; AAKP National Ambassador; AAKP Peer Mentor; Wellness Ambassador, The Rogosin Institute " Mihi Wickramasinghe (CA), former transplant recipient, current peritoneal dialysis patient; AAKP National Ambassador " Leigh-Ann Williams (LA), current home hemodialysis patient; AAKP National Ambassador”

“AAKP Center for Patient Research and Education AAKP firmly believes, as research has also shown, that patient and family member/caregiver education is an integral part of treatment and enhancing quality of life. Not educating a patient and their care partner about their condition and treatment options leaves the patient at risk for complications as well as the possibility of not selecting a course of treatment best suited for them. Education is a simple and effective way to improve overall health and achieve better outcomes. In the same vein, AAKP is uniquely positioned to ensure the patient has a central role in research and other activities that are designed to determine optimal approaches and strategies for providing healthcare services, assistance programs, access to new products and services, etc. AAKP constituents represent all ages, modalities, ethnicities, disease states, and a variety of demographic indicators. AAKP's research capabilities have grown rapidly, and the Association has created a sophisticated database and expansive social media channels which allow AAKP to better connect and learn from its constituents. In turn, AAKP provides education to patients and caregivers on what it means to be involved in research initiatives as well as opportunities to get involved. From online surveys, interviews, focus groups, and clinical trial awareness campaigns - AAKP is focused on inserting important patient insight and preferences into research to help inform innovation, advance care and make a meaningful impact to improve lives - this means AAKP members are helping shape the future policies and discoveries that characterize kidney care! AAKP is known within the renal community as a leader in quality education; taking time to produce programs and materials that are current, relevant and address the most pressing issues patients and their families face. AAKP is deliberate in its development of educational programs, working closely with its Medical Advisory Board, health educators and fellow patients to create unbiased, reliable resources that are easily understood and beneficial to patients. AAKP routinely uses matrices to measure program outcomes to assess effectiveness and success as well as opportunities for enhancement. AAKP offers its programs in a variety of mediums to ensure we reach as many patients as possible (print, online/web-based, smart devices, live/in-person). Research and Engagement: As a leading voice in the patient community, AAKP is uniquely positioned to assist companies interested in understanding the patient experience by connecting them directly to the thousands of patients, family members and caregivers in our database. AAKP's propriety database and engaged community of patients, creates a valuable resource to companies targeting the kidney patient population for market research and/or raising awareness on clinical trial opportunities. AAKP National Patient Meeting: The AAKP National Patient Meeting is the largest gathering of kidney patients and their care-partners in the U.S. The 2024 National Patient Meeting was held as a hybrid event. The in-person portion was held in Orlando, FL and the virtual component was enabled using AAKP's sophisticated virtual event platform. This event engaged a national global audience. The sophisticated platform AAKP used for the meeting allowed registrants to view general and breakout sessions; engage with speakers and fellow attendees; participate in a virtual exhibit hall and engage with vendor representatives in real-time; join virtual focus groups; and much more. The in-person component included the same interactive experiences, events, and networking opportunities. AAKP featured several distinguished panelists and speakers, including but not limited to renowned healthcare professionals, researchers, patient experts, industry partners, and government agency representatives. All sessions are available post-event, OnDemand, for enduring education. AAKP is committ”

“team to better understand/manage conditions. " AAKP Pocket Guide to Managing Kidney Disease: This Pocket Guide is a tool to help patients and caregivers have more effective dialogue with their healthcare teams. It includes 5 Key Questions to Ask your Doctor/Medical Specialist, as well as additional questions for each stage of Chronic Kidney Disease. " AAKP Pocket Guide to Managing High Potassium: The Pocket Guide is a tool to help kidney patients and caregivers have more effective dialogue with their healthcare teams about the risks associated with high potassium levels and the best way to manage it. " AAKP Pocket Guide to Managing Chronic Kidney Disease Associated Pruritus: The Pocket Guide is a tool to help kidney patients and caregivers have more effective dialogue with their healthcare teams about Chronic Kidney Disease Associated Pruritus (CKD-aP), moderate to severe itching associated with dialysis, and the best way to manage it. " Understanding the Food Nutrition Label: The Pocket Guide is a tool to help kidney patients and caregivers have a better understanding of how to read and understand food nutrition labels to support kidney-friendly eating. " Conversation Starter: Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Team About Changing Dialysis Therapies " Conversation Starter: Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Team About Choosing the Right Therapy for You! Coping, Living, and Thriving with Kidney Disease: The purpose of this booklet is to empower individuals to take charge of their disease management by confronting negative feelings and providing strategies on how you and your team can thrive and become the warrior you want to be on this journey of kidney disease. "Understanding" Series: This workbook series covers a variety of important topics such as: Hemodialysis Options, Access Options, PD Options, Home Hemodialysis, Anemia, Iron, Depression, Fabry Disease, Hepatitis C, Kidney Transplantation, Gout, Kidney Stones, and Proteinuria. All brochures are available in print and online pdf. Kidney Beginnings: This workbook introduces chronic kidney disease and is designed for individuals recently diagnosed or with risk factors such as diabetes and hypertension. The various chapters address common topics for individuals with or at-risk for kidney disease such as: diabetes, hypertension, common medical test, common medications, emotional issues, diet/nutrition, exercise, employment and much more. Patient Plan Series: These four phased workbook series are designed to provide individuals with the information they need as they progress through kidney disease. The information is divided among the four books to allow a patient to advance when they are ready and learn information in a manageable way that allows for the greatest impact on behavioral changes. aakpRENALIFE: aakpRENALIFE is the official flagship magazine of the Association. Produced bi-monthly, the articles and information are educational in nature and designed to be relevant for patients regardless of stage of kidney disease or modality option. Content is made available online as well so that patients and caregivers have access to specialty articles at any time post-production. E-newsletters: are distributed monthly and cover current news and issues for individuals with chronic kidney disease, regardless of stage or modality. Cystinosis Patient Education and Activity Scholarship Program: While a variety of factors may cause an individual to be diagnosed with kidney disease, genetic and rare causes can be especially difficult for patients and family members to manage. Understanding the need to support individuals who have kidney diseases caused by a genetic or rare condition, AAKP has expanded its education, advocacy efforts and services to those affected. In support of AAKP's Pediatric and Rare Disease Initiatives, AAKP launched its Cystinosis Patient Education and Activity Scholarship Program for those affected with cystinosis in 2019. The objective of the scholarship program is”

“impact on the policy process. The Center for Patient Engagement and Advocacy was created to leverage AAKP's increased profile and influence in the national public policy process and to expedite implementation of our national strategy to vastly expand patient involvement in the decisions impacting their health outcomes. The AAKP Center for Patient Engagement and Advocacy was created in 2014 to leverage AAKP's increased profile and influence in the national public policy process and to expedite implementation of our National Strategy to vastly expand patient involvement in the decisions that impact their health outcomes. The Center for Patient Engagement and Advocacy brings, under one focused area, all AAKP efforts to build patient and family/caregiver membership in AAKP as well as their participation in existing and emerging AAKP patient health engagement and advocacy programs. At the heart of this Center is the AAKP Ambassador Initiative, launched in 2017, the program has grown to more than 160 + Ambassadors in nearly all 50 states plus D.C. In 2019, AAKP launched the Global arm of this initiative and now has Global Ambassadors in countries such as Ireland, Canada, Argentina, United Arab Emirates and Puerto Rico. Ambassadors are AAKP's most engaged volunteers who utilize their personal experiences and professional skills to contribute to both the AAKP mission and the larger kidney community based on their desire to serve a cause larger than themselves. These individuals also allow AAKP to expand our reach and resources to make a positive impact at the state and local level and globally. Since 2018, AAKP has conducted the largest virtual kidney voter registration drive in America, the "I am a Kidney Voter" campaign, which has registered patients in every state. #IAmAKidneyVoter, #KidneyVoter. Major programs within this Center include the Decade of the Kidney, the Global Summit on Kidney Innovation, the Public Policy Summit, and the Ambassador Initiative. Additionally, as part of the AAKP National Strategy, the Center for Patient Engagement and Advocacy works to engage, train, certify and deploy kidney patients in ways that are the most effective at elevating the patient voice within Federal policy-making circles. This includes critical times when national legislation, health program implementation, regulations or potential delays in the pharmaceutical approval process pose a concern to patient access to quality care or their future healthcare outcomes. AAKP is engaging and encouraging kidney patients and caregivers to participate in substantive opportunities for effective patient engagement and advocacy. AAKP operates via key distinctives and principles: 1. Elevate patient voice in national issues and across drug, diagnostic and device development 2. Protect the unique relationship between patients and their doctors 3. Educate patients and preserve their access to choices as informed consumers of healthcare 4. Maintain full independence in all national policy and decisions - never surrender your letterhead 5. Honor the principle of "no surprises" among trusted allies and Federal government officials AAKP has a history of advocating on important issues affecting patients' care, treatment, options, medications and such. The Advocacy Program helps support initiatives such as: Capitol Hill Day visits, participation in meetings/seminars/conventions, public policy, Communication, research issues affecting patients and practical tools that explain how to be more effective advocates. The Decade of the Kidney The Decade of the Kidney is a transformative announcement AAKP made in June of 2019 at its 2nd Annual National Policy Summit in Washington, D.C. designed to unite the community around a central thought - or a "big idea." From 2020-2030, during the Decade of the Kidney, we will see even greater contributions from every sector of our society and every discipline. These include medicine, science, academia, electedofficials, industry,”

“new research and innovations in the realms of biologics, diagnostics, and devices. In 2023, the AAKP announced a formal partnership with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Kidney Disease Program. Capitol Hill Day Visits: These educational visits, hosted in-person and virtually in 2023-24, engage patients, care partners and healthcare professionals with their legislative representatives and staff to discuss current policy issues that affect patient care and quality of life. Participants are provided training on how to conduct respectful and substantive meetings before ever visiting Capitol Hill. AAKP also partners with medical professional organizations when policy issues related to patient services overlap with our strategic issue agenda. These organizations include, but are not limited to the following: " Alliance for Home Dialysis " Alport Syndrome Foundation " American Kidney Fund " American Society of Nephrology " American Society of Pediatric Nephrology " American Society of Transplantation " American Society of Transplant Surgeons " Kidney Community Hill Day (a collaborative effort of over twelve national organizations) " Kidney Health Initiative " Medical Education Institute " National Kidney Foundation " National Renal Administrators Association " PKD Foundation " Renal Physicians Association " TransplantFirst Academy, and more. Contact AAKP for a full list of partners. In 2023-24, AAKP has conducted over 600 Hill visits, independently and jointly with key allied organizations. AAKP's Ambassador Initiative: The AAKP Ambassador Initiative is part of our Center for Patient Engagement and Advocacy. Ambassadors are our most engaged volunteers - seasoned experts on kidney disease, dialysis, transplant, and living kidney donation. Ambassadors utilize their personal experiences and professional skills to contribute to both the AAKP mission and the larger kidney community based on their desire to serve a cause larger than themselves. AAKP helps provide Federal officials with the patient input they seek, through our Ambassadors' engagement. Ambassadors maintain relationships and communications with their elected leaders to be sure kidney disease is on their radar. They participate in focus groups, roundtables, Technical Evaluation Panels (TEPs), surveys, clinical trials, public testimony before Federal agencies, and more. Throughout 2021-22, AAKP expanded this initiative to include International Ambassadors from countries including, but not limited to: Argentina, United Kingdom, Ireland, United Arab Emirates, Germany, and Canada. AAKP Policy Summit: AAKP is a nationally recognized leader in patient education and advocacy and our independent insights are highly regarded and relied upon by government agencies, elected and appointed national policymakers and policy influencers. With 50 years of effective patient engagement experience, AAKP knows that patients, government, researchers, professionals and industry working collaboratively together is the fastest way to transplant new innovations in kidney care into care solutions that impact patient health outcomes. The Policy Summit brings together key influencers from across all sectors of the policy spectrum for a two-day Summit that addresses the current state of kidney care at the crossroads of innovation, regulation, and payment. AAKP Policy Roundtable: AAKP Policy Roundtables focus on timely and critical issues impacting kidney care. Strategic Partnerships and Alliances: AAKP has maintained our national reputation as a trusted and independent voice for patients by both maintain our independence and through a select and targeted series of collaborative relationships with other non-profit professional and patient organizations. Before AAKP collaborates with any organization, we pose several questions to assess their credibility in our order to protect our organization and the patient interests we represent. These questions include: 1. Will our association with this organiza”