KidneyCoach: Resources

Kidney Community Resources: These organizations service the Kidney Community.

American Association of Kidney patients (AAKP) - Tampa, FL. Phone:  800-749-2257  

AAKP is a patient organization with chapters across the country. Their services include sponsoring support groups, acting as patient advocates and educating patients and the public. AAKP publishes RENALLIFE a quarterly magazine that features personal experiences and news of interest to kidney patients. 

American Kidney Fund (AKF) - Rockville, MD. Phone:  800 -638-8299

The AKF is an nonprofit organization that serves as a financial resource for kidney dialysis and transplant patients in need of assistance. In addition, AKF provides community services, public and professional education, kidney donor development and research programs.

ESRD Networks Forum - Birchwood, WI. Phone: 715-354-3735

The Networks oversee administration of benefits to kidney patients, review dialysis and transplant facilities, and collect data. Networks are also a source of information about kidney disease and treatment for patients. Every dialysis center is assigned to a Network; ask your renal social worker about how to contact yours.  

National Kidney Foundation, Inc (NKF) - New York, NY. Phone:  800-622-9010

The National Kidney Foundation is a nonprofit organization with over 50 affiliates and local chapters nationwide. NKF's goals are to prevent diseases of the kidney and improve the care and treatment of individuals with these diseases. Their programs include research, public information, professional education and patient and community services.

Transplant Recipients International Organization (TRIO) - Washington, DC. Phone: 800-874-6386

TRIO is an independent, not-for-profit, international organization committed to improving the quality of life of transplant candidates, recipients, their families and the families of organ and tissue donors. Through the TRIO Headquarters and a network of chapters, TRIO serves its members in the areas of: Awareness, Support, Education, and Advocacy. 

United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) - Richmond, VA. Phone:  804-782-4800

United Network for Organ Sharing is the private, non-profit organization that manages the nation's organ transplant system under contract with the federal government. UNOS is involved in nearly every aspects of the organ transplant and donation process.

Recommended Reading:

Glossary of Commonly Used Terms: Features definitions of terms found in the treatment of Kidney Disease. 

The 5 Stages Of Kidney Disease: Kidney Disease is described as having five stages (Stage 1 to Stage 5) based on the percentage of kidney function remaining. Determine your stage and how to prevent further progression.

Success Tips: These tips will reduce the risks of  hospitalization and will generally improve your overall quality of life by addressing head on those issues that may worry you,  mistakes that are  commonly made, and misconceptions frequently held.

End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Treatment Alternatives: Over 275,000 Americans rely on dialysis to live,  and nearly twice that number receive therapy for ESRD. Find out what treatment plan works best for your lifestyle. 

Monitoring Lab Results: Blood tests are taken routinely on a monthly basis, and though they may vary slightly from one lab to another, note the standard ranges for key tests. Identify strategies to manage test results and maintain a higher level of energy and health.