Announcing the 2021 Calendar Kids Cover Artist!

Thousands of members from the AKF community cast their votes to help us select the cover artist for our 2021 calendar. We look forward to celebrating our Calendar Kids Cover Artist at The Hope Affair virtual event in October.

Thank you to everyone who voted and to all of the talented artists who submitted artwork!

Meet the 2021 Calendar Kids Cover Artist >>

In order to make important decisions about your health care as a kidney patient, it is critical to have the facts, such as your rights as a patient, information about different dialysis modalities, understanding how health insurance works, and appealing coverage and care decisions made by your insurer.

We've collected our online resources in one place to help you navigate these complicated issues and empower you to make informed decisions about your health care. We will be adding additional sections in the coming months so please make sure to check back!

Know your rights as a kidney patient >>

Nephrotic syndrome is a group of symptoms that show your kidneys are not working as well as they should. These symptoms include too much protein in your urine, not enough protein in your blood, too much fat or cholesterol in your blood, and swelling. Like chronic kidney disease, nephrotic syndrome is progressive and can lead to kidney failure.

Visit our website to learn more about nephrotic syndrome, what causes it and why you may be at risk even after you have a transplant.

Learn more about nephrotic syndrome >>

Recipe contributed by FamilyCook Productions

In this classic southern dish, we teach you how to intensify flavor while omitting salt by using a technique from French cuisine: the bouquet garni. This little parcel of herbs, seeds and bay leaves, tied inside cheesecloth, adds flavor intensity without the added salt!

Visit Kidney Kitchen™ for the full recipe >>

On April 21, 2020, Representative Nanette Barragan (D-CA) introduced legislation entitled H.R. 6561, the "Improving Social Determinants of Health Act of 2020." A Senate companion bill, S. 4440, was introduced on August 5 by Senators Tina Smith (D-MN) and Chris Murphy. Social determinants of health (SDOH) are non-medical factors, such as access to nutritious food, safe housing, education and good jobs, that have a large effect on public health outcomes.

By funding public health departments to address SDOHs, these bills would create a pathway to build healthier communities from the ground level. In order to have better health in communities disproportionately affected by kidney disease, we must invest in programs that address the SDOHs that put people at risk for chronic illness.

Urge your Members of Congress to co-sponsor H.R. 6561 and S. 4440 >>

Featured course: Hepatitis C and Chronic Kidney Disease: Building the Connection

This free, online course designed for nurses and other health care professionals provides prevention strategies and other resources that address the associated health risks of comorbid hepatitis C (HCV) and chronic kidney disease (CKD).

By the end of the course, you will have a better understanding of how nephrology plays a central role in the identification, treatment, and follow-up of patients with both HCV and CKD.

Register online and take this course >>