TAMPA, Fla. December 16, 2004 –The American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP), the nation’s only kidney patient organization led by kidney patients for kidney patients, congratulates Michael Leavitt on his nomination for secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

AAKP compliments the strides HHS and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have made to improve quality in renal healthcare. In 2005, AAKP looks forward to working with HHS and CMS to set the bar so all patients can receive good quality outcomes.

Additionally, AAKP looks forward to working with Leavitt to establish a National Commission on Improved Kidney Patient Outcomes. As previously stated to HHS Secretary Tommy Thompson, AAKP strongly believes a committee should be established to improve quality and coordination of medical care for dialysis patients, and potentially create savings to Medicare.

“Dialysis is a miracle for people whose kidneys have failed,” said AAKP President Brenda Dyson. “We welcome the opportunity to work with Mr. Leavitt to ensure all patients receive quality dialysis.”

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.