My name is Shekeila Harris and I am a transplant patient, advocate, and public health nurse. As an employee with the City of Vineland, New Jersey, I am an expert on the intersection between patient rights, and the implications of current mandates effecting quality care.
Diagnosed at the age of 21, like many Americans, I knew very little about the kidneys at the time. Looking back, I wish that I knew the signs of kidney disease, how an early diagnosis could have preserved my life, or even how to support myself as a patient. So, I’d like to change that. I firmly believe that as an advocate, it is my goal to help patients, care-takers, and providers better understand how people can use healthcare knowledge to make better decisions. A member of DPC since 2013, my projects have included: patient-centered support meetings, facility and dialysis treatment innovation tours, as well as speaking with elected officials on Capitol Hill.
I have also obtained a Masters of Business Administration with a focus on Healthcare Administration from Capella University. My trials with CKD has taught me that advocacy plays a key role in bringing evidence into the policy-making process, leading to a paradigm shift and a much-needed focus and resources to support and improve policy. People who live with this invisible illness should not feel invisible themselves; yet many of the millions of Americans living with kidney disease do. Therefore, it is my goal, to use not only my personal and clinical skills to effectively reach out to lawmakers, but I firmly believe that my acquired business skills will also have a positive impact.
DPC is a vibrant community of support and visibility — a patient-centered experience. This hits home for me. I know all too well that living with kidney disease is a journey that no one should travel alone or in the shadows. Joining the DPC’s board is an honor, and I am grateful to contribute to this important cause.
