In addition to KidneySource.com, there are many organizations — both for and not-for profit — that offer timely information and relevant resources specifically for people with kidney disease and their loved ones. For your convenience, we’ve listed a brief description and links to some of these organizations’ Web sites. The more you know, the better you can manage.

Online Resources to Help Improve the Health and Well-being of Individuals With Kidney Disease

The National Kidney Foundation, Inc. is a major voluntary health organization that seeks to prevent kidney and urinary tract diseases, improve the health and well-being of individuals and families affected by these diseases, and increase the availability of all organs for transplantation.
www.kidney.org

FREE access to downloadable, peer-reviewed materials that can empower nutrition professionals to do their jobs more efficiently, which, in turn, translates into improved patient care.

The Voice of All Kidney Patients™

The American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP) is a national nonprofit organization founded by kidney patients for kidney patients. AAKP strives to educate and improve the health and well-being of chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, those on hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis, and transplant recipients.
www.aakp.org

"An illness is too demanding when you don’t have hope."

The Renal Support Network is a nonprofit, patient-focused, patient-run organization established to provide nonmedical services to those affected by chronic kidney disease. RSN strives to help patients develop their personal coping skills, special talents and employability by educating and empowering them (and their family members) to take control of the course and management of the disease.
www.rsnhope.org

Dialysis and Kidney Disease Information at Your Fingertips

DaVita provides dialysis services for those diagnosed with chronic kidney disease. They have more than 1,200 outpatient dialysis facilities and acute units in more than 800 hospitals, and are located in more than 42 states, serving approximately 100,000 patients. Their Web site answers questions and provides education for people with chronic kidney disease or who are on dialysis, their caregivers, family members, and friends.
www.davita.com

The World Leader in Quality Dialysis Products and Services

Fresenius Medical Care offers guidance and support for dialysis patients through a variety of products and services. Through their dialysis services entity, Fresenius Medical Services, they operate more than 1,500 outpatient dialysis clinics in the United States. Their Web site provides resources to help patients learn about dialysis and to find a dialysis center in their area.
www.fmcna.com/patients.html

Reaching out. Giving hope. Improving lives.

The American Kidney Fund is our nation’s number-one source of direct financial assistance to kidney patients, and is a leader in providing education to those with and at risk for kidney disease. Their programs address all stages of kidney health, including kidney disease awareness and prevention; community outreach to individuals at high risk for kidney disease; and treatment-related support for those requiring renal dialysis or transplantation.
www.kidneyfund.org

Making important medical discoveries that improve health and save lives

The National Institutes of Health, a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is the primary Federal agency for conducting and supporting medical research. NIH scientists investigate ways to prevent disease, as well as the causes, treatments, and even cures for common and rare diseases. Their Web site helps patients learn about various health issues by providing access to the latest research.
www.health.nih.gov

Supporting research to improve the health of all Americans

The National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) conducts and supports research on many of the most serious diseases affecting public health. Their Web site provides information around nutrition, weight control, and various digestive and kidney diseases. Through this site, patients also have access to easy-to-read publications on these topics.
www.niddk.nih.gov/health/health.htm