Why It's Important for Politicians to Visit Dialysis Centers

Elected officials play a tremendous role in the dialysis care patients receive, even though the vast majority of lawmakers have never visited a facility, or even know what dialysis is. It’s important to invite your senators and representatives into a facility so they can understand dialysis, meet the patients and caregivers, and learn about the treatment.

Educating your elected officials about the issues important to dialysis patients is easy, and it makes a difference. Dialysis facility tours matter because:

They teach lawmakers, who are making decisions about your care, what dialysis is and how it impacts patients and their families;
They show lawmakers the important relationship between patients and their caregivers;
They demonstrate the importance of quality care, and also the necessity of education, awareness and pre-dialysis services;
They help lawmakers understand why adequate funding is so important. The federal government pays for dialysis for 70% of all patients and makes the rules about how much it will pay for treatments and medications

The four steps below will lead you through the process. If you are thinking about scheduling a center visit or have questions please This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or call 866-877-4242. It is important to let DPC know you are arranging a center visit so that we can provide you with the proper tools and information you need to make your visit a success!

STEP ONE - Identify who represents your site
Click here for contact information for your federal and state lawmakers.

STEP TWO - Invite your lawmakers
Click here for a sample telephone script.
If you are asked for a written invitation, click here for a sample.

STEP THREE - Prepare for your visit
Be sure to let This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and the center's Facility Administrator about the visit.

STEP FOUR - Thank the Lawmaker
Click here for a sample thank-you letter that you can email or fax.