Kidney Patient Advisory Council (KPAC)

The National Forum of ESRD Networks recognizes the central role of patients in its mission to promote optimal dialysis and transplant care across the United States. the Kidney Patient Advisory Council (KPAC) provides essential feedback and input into the activities and operation of the Forum. The Forum needs the experiences and perspective of the patient members of the KPAC in order to fully understand the needs and challenges of the renal community. The patient perspective is also critical in the development of effective quality improvement programs, technical assistance tools, patient educational materials, and other Network activities.

The primary roles of the KPAC are:

  • To inform the Forum and its Board about the needs of patients
  • To facilitate patient centered care
  • To provide input into Forum activities

The KPAC's mission is to support and advocate on behalf of all ESRD patients and to improve the standard of care to patients with renal disease, through education and the collection, analysis, and dissemination of data and information.

KPAC Bio Statements 2024

(As of July 1, 2024)

Network KPAC Representative(s)
Network 1 Laurie Pease
Sherrie Shively
Network 2 Dawn Edwards - KPAC Co-Chair
Lisa Baxter
Network 3 William Senior
Anthony Abbate
Stephanie Dixon
Network 4 Timmy Nelson
Network 5 Virna Elly
Patrick O. Gee, Sr., PhD
Network 6 Jamall Wimberly
Eric Dolby
Network 7 Janice Starling
Network 8 VACANT
Network 9 Evan Coaker
Laura Wilcox
Network 10 VACANT
Network 11 Jeff Nelson
Mary Baliker - KPAC Co-Chair
Network 12 Shane Blanchard
Anita Kucera
Network 13 Yazzi Biship
Network 14 Precious McCowan
Abby Ruiz
Network 15 VACANT
Network 16 Lisa Custer
Bob Crabtree
Network 17 Doris Lew
Network 18 Wendy Skinner
EDAC Network Rep Sue Caponi, MBA, RN, BSN, CPHQ
PSD Network Rep Yessi Cubillo, BA
PSD Network Rep Lisa Hall, MSSW, LICSW

Donate

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.

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What's new on the Forum website?

MAC Releases Updated Home Dialysis Toolkit

This toolkit for health providers and practitioners is a reference tool that gives information about overcoming barriers to starting or growing a home dialysis program.

NEW: Home Dialysis Toolkit [2023]

Updated to include:

  • New sections to address AAKH and CfC updates
  • Emergency management of home dialysis patients
  • Impact of ESCOs, ETC Model, Voluntary Models on home therapies
  • Enhanced modality education: transitional care and self care
  • Emerging Technology and the impact and benefits to home therapies
  • Addressing Disparities and Access to Care
  • Home therapy options in the LTC/nursing home setting
  • KPAC Section: Empowering patients and care partners to be successful at home

Read the press release here.

Latest Forum Matters Now Available

The latest Forum Matters Newsletter is now available on the website!

Review current and past issues of Forum Matters here.

MAC Updates Transitions of Care Toolkit

This Toolkit for health providers and practitioners is a reference tool that gives information about challenges in transitions of care and suggestions to help create solutions.

MAC Transitions of Care Toolkit (March 2022)

COVID-19 Vaccination Flyer for Dialysis Patients

Please share this flyer with your dialysis patients

Resources & Links for Kidney Patients

Learn about the New Transplant Toolkit for Patients

This 12-minute video provides an overview of the Toolkit

Is A Kidney Transplant Right for Me?

Project Makefile