Tampa, FL – The nation’s leading kidney patient education organization today announced it is hosting its Annual Patient Meeting in Atlanta, Georgia. The 39th American Association of Kidney Patients Annual Patient meeting is taking place August 9-11, 2012 at the Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead.

“We are excited to bring our meeting to Atlanta,” said Karen Ryals, AAKP’s Executive Director. “Not only is Atlanta vibrant and fascinating with lots of things for our meeting participants to see and do, but it is also easily accessible for people around the country.

The Annual Patient Meeting is titled, Kidney Care – Innovations in a Changing Environment. The meeting aims to educate patients, families and providers on the growing demand for quality health care, the anticipated changes to health care and to give participants a look ahead at potential treatment options. “Our annual meeting is a program designed to empower participants with information and skills they need to ensure they are receiving quality health care,” stated Carolyn Price, AAKP President. “We hope participants leave the program with a feeling that they are prepared to confront and conquer the challenges of a dramatically changing health care landscape.”

AAKP is kicking off the patient meeting with its second Annual Public Policy Forum to be held at the Carter Center, part of the Jimmy Carter Library & Museum. Guest speakers will discuss and debate health care reform, the objectives of health care reform, the intricacies involved in overhauling a nationwide health care system and the impact on individuals, for better or for worse. The AAKP Public Policy Forum takes place Friday, August 10, 2012 from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. The AAKP Public Policy Forum is FREE and open to the public.

Hotel reservations for the Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead can be made by calling 1-888-421-1442. Identify yourself as an AAKP Patient Meeting Attendee to receive the preferred rate of $114 per night for single or double occupancy. Reservations can also be made online at www.aakp.org/events/convention/2012-convention/hotel-2012. The deadline to receive the preferred rate of $114 per night is July 17, 2012.

To learn more about the AAKP National Patient Meeting, visit www.aakp.org/events/Convention or call 1-800-749-2257.

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