Tampa, FL; August 30, 2011 – The American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP) wrapped up it’s 38th Annual Convention Sunday, August 28, 2011 at the Little Rock Peabody Hotel in Little Rock, Arkansas.

The three day event is the Association’s signature annual gathering, bringing together patients, family members and health care professionals from as far away as St. Lucia in the Caribbean Sea, Seattle, Washington and New York State – for an opportunity to participate in educational sessions about kidney disease and interact with fellow kidney patients.

This year’s AAKP National Convention opened with a Public Policy Forum at the William J. Clinton Presidential Center. Dr. Christopher Blagg, Executive Director Emeritus of the Northwest Kidney Center moderated the forum which included panelists Dr. Barry Straube, former Medical Chief of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services; Dr. Keith Norris of Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science; and Teri Brown, PhD of the Institute for Families and Society. Skip Rutherford, William J. Clinton Professor and Dean of the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service gave the closing remarks. 

“This was a unique opportunity for patients, health care professionals and industry experts to hear from the men and women who are affecting policy as it related to kidney disease,” stated Paul T. Conway, AAKP Vice President and Chairman of the AAKP Public Policy Committee. “Kidney disease impacts Americans of all backgrounds, ages and walks of life. Our time at the Clinton Presidential Center provided patients with the knowledge and to be even more effective advocates of their own care and the interests of the kidney community, especially through their online and social media activities.” 

Immediately following the forum, AAKP kicked off its educational sessions at the Little Rock Peabody Hotel. Nearly 300 patients, health care professionals and kidney industry experts took part in the sessions and exciting social events. “I am always impressed with the passion for knowledge from the patients. They really want to know how they can take better care of themselves. The attendees showed they wanted to take ownership of their lives,” stated Carolyn Price, AAKP President.

On Saturday AAKP recognized individuals who have played a significant role over the last year in the success of the organization; and advocated for the kidney community. Awardees included: Sam Pederson, the AAKP President’s Award; Bob Abbott, the Samuel Orenstein Award; Dr. Barry Straube, the Peter Lundin, MD Award; Stephanie Eiland and Tresha Glowacki, the AAKP Certificate of Commitment Award; and Jun Choi, the AAKP Certificate of Courage Award.

AAKP would like to thank all the sponsors of the 38th Annual AAKP National Convention. To learn more about the AAKP National Convention, visit www.aakp.org or call 1-800-749-2257. 

AAKP Public Policy Forum, Part 2

Skip Rutherford speaks at the AAKP Public Policy Forum

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AAKP is the voluntary, patient organization, which for more than 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.