Kidney disease affects 37 million Americans, with countless more at risk. It can lead to severe complications, including kidney failure. The American Kidney Fund (AKF) leads the fight against this devastating condition through a range of comprehensive programs and advocacy efforts. But there is still more to be done and your involvement can help support the organization’s life-saving programs, research, and education.
So, let’s examine five impactful ways you can get involved with AKF.
Importance of Involvement
The AKF provides essential resources, financial aid, and support for patients and families dealing with kidney disease. Here’s how you can help them reach more people, more often.
1. Make a Donation
Donations directly support:
- Direct Patient Assistance: Grants for medications, transportation, and essential needs.
- Education and Prevention: Resources and screenings to raise awareness.
- Research and Innovations: Supporting groundbreaking research for better treatments and, ultimately, a cure.
- Kidney Donation: Learn more about kidney donation here: organ and tissue donation.
2. Participate in Events
- Kidney Action Week: Virtual event with educational workshops and activities to promote kidney health.
- Walkathons and Runs: Join or sponsor a walkathon or run to raise funds and awareness for kidney disease.
- Online Campaigns: Participate in digital fundraising initiatives or themed virtual events.
- Volunteer: Organize events, contribute to clinical trials, and assist support groups and helplines.
3. Advocate for Change
- Impact change: Be a voice for kidney patients by influencing lawmakers and policy decisions.
- Legislative Advocacy: Collaborate with AKF to improve healthcare access and enhance the quality of life for kidney patients.
4. Become a Kidney Health Ambassador
The American Kidney Fund Ambassador Program encourages passionate individuals to drive awareness and promote positive change through:
- Empowerment: Equip yourself with knowledge and tools to confidently discuss kidney health and policies supporting affected individuals.
- Public Speaking: Share personal stories and kidney health information through engagements at schools, community centers, corporate events, and social media.
You can join the ambassador program here.
5. Become a Kidney Health Coach
Kidney Health Coaches directly educate others about kidney health:
- Training Sessions: Coaches gain comprehensive knowledge on kidney health maintenance, prevention, management, and treatment through online courses.
- Community Outreach: Coaches lead educational sessions to promote kidney health and preventive care.
- Social Media Engagement: Coaches share personal stories and AKF’s initiatives across social media platforms to reach a wider audience.
Coaches also serve as vocal advocates for better health policies and practices. In fact, Acclinate’s NOWINCLUDED clinical research diversity coordinator, Candace Turner, is a trained kidney health coach. AKF’s virtual training equipped her with resources to educate on kidney health, risk factors, and early detection.
Here’s what Candace had to say about becoming a health coach:
“The kidney health coach program is designed to educate individuals and communities about kidney health, preventing kidney disease, and managing it effectively for those already affected. The training was comprehensive and equipped me with resources to share and teach information on maintaining kidney health, identifying risk factors, and understanding the importance of early detection and treatment.
The program was completely virtual, making it convenient and accessible. It took me about a week to complete, but it can be done in less time if needed. Upon completion, I earned my kidney health coach certificate and received a coach box, coaching materials, and a dedicated coaching group and website. I also earned an additional certification to teach patients self-management techniques. Overall, it was an incredibly rewarding experience.”
Likewise, in Candace’s current role with Acclinate, she has used this training to significantly enhance the company’s community engagement and education efforts surrounding kidney health. With the program’s resources, she has helped raise awareness, serve as a subject matter expert, and support ongoing health initiatives.
If you’d like to learn more about coaching, click here: Become a Kidney Health Coach.
Your involvement with AKF can transform lives. Through donations, events, ambassadorship, or sharing inspirational stories, you can contribute to a healthier future for those with kidney disease. Visit AKF to explore opportunities and join the fight against kidney disease today or visit NOWINCLUDED’s kidney health hub for more resources.
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