TAMPA, Fla. June 8, 2004 – For the third consecutive year, the American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP) and Ortho Biotech Products, L.P. are pleased to have partnered on a national initiative, titled “Kidney Care: Finding Your Strength.”

This free educational program reaches out to chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients to help them understand the progression of kidney disease before the need for dialysis. Programs include speakers within the healthcare field. Numerous educational materials and free anemia screenings are also available. This event is open to the public and anyone interested in learning more about kidney disease is encouraged to attend.

In 2004, AAKP hosted programs in six locations and reached more than 1,000 people. There are 11 program locations remaining for 2004. Upcoming programs are as follows:

San Diego, Calif. -- Saturday, June 26 from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. at the Doubletree Club Hotel, located at 1515 Hotel Circle South. Continental breakfast will be served. To register for this program, please contact Kristy Kuna at (800) 749-2257 or kkuna@aakp.org.

San Antonio, Texas -- Saturday, July 17 from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. at the Hilton San Antonio Airport, located at 611 N.W. Loop 410. Refreshments will be served. To register for this program, please contact Tanya Randle at (210) 392-6337.

Additional programs will take place at the following locations: Allentown, Pa.; Los Angeles; Nashville, Tenn.; Honolulu; Phoenix; Kansas City, Mo.; Jackson, Miss.; St. Augustine, Fla.; and West Palm Beach, Fla. For information regarding future program dates and locations, please click here or contact the AAKP National Office at (800) 749-2257.

AAKP recognizes that kidney disease is a critical and growing medical problem in the United States. The leading causes of kidney failure are diabetes and high blood pressure. The program exists to raise awareness about the seriousness of kidney disease, the importance of testing those at risk and the availability of treatment to prevent or slow the progress of kidney disease.

AAKP is the voluntary, patient organization, which for 35 years, has been dedicated to improving the lives of fellow kidney patients and their families by helping them deal with the physical, emotional and social impact of kidney disease. The programs offered by AAKP inform and inspire patients and their families to better understand their condition, adjust more readily to their circumstances and assume more normal, productive lives in their communities.