Tampa, Fla., June 1, 2009 – Registration for the American Association of Kidney Patients’ (AAKP) 36th Annual National Convention is now open. The Convention takes place Sept. 3-5 at the Hyatt Regency Denver in Denver, Colo. The Annual Convention provides kidney patients, family members and health care professionals the opportunity to learn about important issue affecting kidney patients. During this three-day event, attendees participate in educational sessions for those with chronic kidney disease (CKD) to long-term dialysis and transplant patients. Participants also learn about various treatments for each stage of kidney disease.

“For 40 years now, AAKP has been providing patients and their loved ones the opportunity to discuss their concerns and share their experiences while learning about important issues affecting their health care,” stated AAKP President Roberta Wager, RN, MSN. “This is a unique opportunity for patients. Not only do they get to hear from fellow patients, but they are also interacting with world-renown health care professionals.”

Full Convention registration packages start at $95 dollars for AAKP Patient/Family Members. AAKP Professional Members registration packages start at $195. The registration packages include three days of educational sessions, a souvenir t-shirt, tote bag and tickets to the First Time Attendees’ Luncheon, Welcoming Reception, Welcoming Ceremonies and Annual Banquet and Awards Ceremony. Continuing Education (CEs) credits are available for social workers and registered nurses pending approval from the accrediting agencies. For additional information please contact AAKP at (800) 749-AAKP.

Hotel reservations can be made by calling the Hyatt Regency Denver toll free at (800) 233-1234. To receive the preferred rate of $120 per night, identify yourself as an American Association of Kidney Patients attendee. Please make your reservations as early as possible as the Convention hotel has sold out in past years. The deadline to receive the preferred room rate of $120 per night is Aug. 4, 2009. For more information about the AAKP National Convention visit www.aakp.org/events/convention/2009. 
                                                                                 

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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.