In Memory of Derek Forfang
Derek Forfang, Forum Board of Directors member and Kidney Patient Advisory Council (KPAC) Co-Chair, passed away on October 20, 2023. Derek leaves behind a deep legacy of patient advocacy. He worked hard over the years to improve the quality of life of kidney patients, with particular attention given to depression and supporting patients in asking for help with their mental health.
Derek was a vital member of the Forum of ESRD Networks for over 10 years,. He always said that the Forum and the KPAC were his home. He greatly enjoyed leading and interacting with his colleagues on the KPAC and relished organizing their holiday celebration each year. Derek left his mark on many; in addition to the Forum, he worked with the National Kidney Foundation, the American Society of Nephrology, the Making Dialysis Safer Coalition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and a host of other organizations. He was a published author and frequent speaker. Derek will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Rest in peace, dear friend.
The Forum has established the Derek Forfang Memorial Fund to honor Derek’s legacy. The Fund will support the work of the Forum's KPAC. Make your tax-deductible donation today. Click on the box next to "Dedicate my donation to the Derek Forfang Memorial Fund," and be sure to leave a message or memory you have of Derek with us in the Message box. If you have a picture of Derek you would like to share, please email it to kbrooks@esrdnetworks.org.
On November 13, 2023, the Forum held a memorial for Derek which was attended by his friends and colleagues from the Forum, the ESRD Networks, and CMS, as well as his family. View a recording of the memorial.
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The National Forum of ESRD Networks, Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization #13-3246354. Your donation is tax deductible to the extent allowable by law. No goods or services will be provided by the Forum in return or consideration for this contribution. Donations can also be mailed to the Forum Office at PO Box 70623, Henrico, VA 23255.
Donate nowWhat's new on the Forum website?
October KPAC Newsletter Now Available
Read It Today!
The October issue of Your Voice, Your Health is now available. This issue features an article from KPAC member Patrick Gee, PhD, about mental health awareness. Read this and past issues of Your Voice, Your Health here.
Forum Releases New SHEP Initiatives
Check out these best practices!
The Forum is pleased to announce the release of TWO new Sharing Highly Effective Practices (SHEP): an emergency app for patients and a patient-led infection control audit project. Read more and submit your own SHEP here.
50 Years of the Forum!
50 Years of the Forum!
Forum members have published an article in CJASN providing an overview of the Forum's role in the ESRD Network Program.
Forum Member Presents on Transitions of Care
Watch and Learn!
Forum Board member David Henner, DO, presented on the Transitions of Care Toolkit at the 2025 National Kidney Foundation Spring Clinical Meetings. View the slides and video.
Forum Releases CMS Medication Bundle Resource
The Forum has developed a reference table for dialysis-related medications and their status with the CMS medication bundle.
Download it here.
KPAC Member Bios Now Available!
Want to know more about the Forum's KPAC members?
Read their bio statements here. If you're looking for a patient advocate to speak at your event, it's a great way to find the perfect match.
