Celebrating 75 Years of Advancements in Kidney Health
Organization celebrates a legacy of progress—and looks ahead to the next era of impact
Today, on the 75th anniversary of its founding, the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) commemorates seven and a half decades of positive influence in kidney health through advocacy, research, education, and support for patients and families. NKF was established in 1950 by a mother determined to save her son, and that same spirit continues to drive the organization's mission forward.
A Legacy of Impact
From its beginnings as the Committee for Nephrosis Research, NKF has played a crucial role in significant advancements that have enhanced kidney care and equity across the nation. Here are some of the notable milestones:
- 1968 – Uniform Anatomical Gift Act
NKF contributed to passing this critical legislation that led to a significant increase in kidney donor card distribution, enhancing organ donation awareness. - 1972 — Establishment of the Medicare ESRD Benefit
This landmark decision resulted in federal coverage for almost all Americans suffering from kidney failure, marking the only federally funded chronic disease program of its kind. - 1984 - National Transplant Act
NKF's vigorous leadership facilitated the passage of this bill, which laid the foundation for a national transplant system. - 1995 — Launch of KDOQI Clinical Practice Guidelines
This initiative established standards that have guided patient care effectively for decades. - 2002 – Launch of KDIGO Guidelines
Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) was developed to promote global kidney care standards. - 2011 - PEERs Patient Mentoring Program
This program was later expanded to include living kidney donors and those thinking about becoming donors. - 2016 – CKDintercept is launched
This innovative NKF program seeks to transform how primary care systems address Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). - 2021 — Introduction of the Race-Free eGFR Equation
This initiative, developed in partnership with the American Society of Nephrology (ASN), promotes fairer and more accurate diagnoses for Black patients.
75+You Campaign Goals
This year, the "75+You" campaign is set to make a direct impact on 75 million lives by 2030 through three pivotal areas:
Preventing the Preventable
- Double the proportion of adults with kidney disease who are aware of their condition.
- Double the number of individuals at risk or living with CKD who receive recommended testing.
Enabling Patients to Live the Life They Want
- Double the number of new dialysis patients who initiate home dialysis.
- Ensure equity by increasing the proportion of home dialysis patients from underrepresented communities.
Ensuring Access to Transplants for All
- Double both living and deceased kidney donations.
- Reduce disparities in access and outcomes at every stage of the transplant process.
Get Involved Today
NKF encourages everyone to take action this National Kidney Month by participating in the Kidney Risk Quiz, advocating for kidney health, or donating to advance NKF's mission. By harnessing the power of "75+You," we can revolutionize kidney care and foster a healthier future for all.
Kidney Disease Awareness
In the United States, kidney disease, also known as chronic kidney disease (CKD), affects over 37 million adults, with approximately 90 percent unaware of their condition. About 1 in 3 adults are at risk for kidney disease due to factors like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, and family history. Certain demographics, including Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, and other minority groups are at a heightened risk of developing kidney diseases.
About the National Kidney Foundation
The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) is committed to revolutionizing the approach to saving lives by eliminating preventable kidney diseases, fostering innovation for an improved patient experience, and dismantling structural inequities in kidney care, dialysis, and transplantation. For additional information regarding kidney disease, please visit the official NKF website.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the mission of the National Kidney Foundation?
The National Kidney Foundation aims to prevent kidney disease, support patients, and ensure equitable care across the healthcare system.
How can individuals participate in the "75+You" campaign?
Individuals can engage by taking the Kidney Risk Quiz, becoming advocates, or contributing financially to NKF's mission.
What key milestones has the NKF achieved since its inception?
NKF has achieved numerous milestones, including the establishment of the Medicare ESRD Benefit and the launch of significant guidelines promoting better kidney care.
Why is kidney disease often undiagnosed?
A significant number of people are unaware of their kidney disease due to a lack of symptoms in the early stages and insufficient testing awareness.
What communities are at higher risk for kidney disease?
Communities such as Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, and some Indigenous groups are at an increased risk for developing kidney disease.
