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 2025

KPAC Newsletters

As of July 1, 2025
Network KPAC Representative(s)
Network 1 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 Johnny Jones
Patrick O. Gee, Sr., PhD
Network 6 VACANT
Network 7 Janice Starling
Network 8 VACANT
Network 9 Evan Coaker
Network 10 Candria Denzmore
Network 11 Jeff Nelson
Mary Baliker - KPAC Co-Chair
Network 12 VACANT
Network 13 VACANT
Network 14 Precious McCowan, PhD
Abby Ruiz
Network 15 Christina Gilchrist
Michael Gilchrist
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?

July KPAC Newsletter Now Available

Read It Today!

The July issue of Your Voice, Your Health is now available. This issue features an article from KPAC member Precious McCowan, PhD, about her decision to donate her son's organs. It's a must read! Read this and past issues of Your Voice, Your Health here.

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.

April is Donate Life Month!

KPAC Develops Donate Life Month Flyers for Patients

April is Donate Life Month! The Forum of ESRD Networks’ Kidney Patient Advisory Council (KPAC) has developed some helpful flyers, one for each week in April, for you to display in your facility.

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.

March is Kidney Month!

KPAC Develops Kidney Month Flyers for Patients

March is Kidney Month! The Forum of ESRD Networks’ Kidney Patient Advisory Council (KPAC) has developed some helpful flyers, one for each week in March, for you to display in your facility.

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.

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