TAMPA, Fla., May 19, 2009 – The deadline to submit nominations for the American Association of Kidney Patients’ (AAKP) National Board of Directors is fast approaching. People with kidney disease who want to be more involved in patient education and advocacy work are encouraged to apply. AAKP is a national non-profit kidney organization directed by patients for patients. The deadline to submit nominations is May 22, 2009. The elections are held in July with new members seated in September during AAKP’s 2009 Annual Convention in Denver, Colo. Board members serve two-year terms.

The AAKP National Board of Directors is responsible for establishing goals and policies for the Association. In addition, they are responsible for attending three meetings per year, which may require travel, participation in conference calls and committee membership. In keeping with the bylaws of the Association, more than 50 percent of the National Board of Directors must be comprised of kidney disease patients including chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, dialysis patients and transplant recipients. The president must also be a patient.

Nomination forms can be downloaded from the AAKP Web site, www.aakp.org/About-AAKP/Board. Information can also be obtained by calling 800-749-AAKP. Self nominations are encouraged. 

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AAKP is the voluntary, patient organization, which for 40 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.