Georgia Medigap Legislation Passes First Hurdle
On February 24, HB 323 was unanimously approved by the Health Committee of the Georgia House of Representatives. Sponsored by State Representative Karen Mathiak (R-82), this legislation will provide affordable access to Medigap coverage to the under 65 Medicare eligible population. DPC Patient Ambassadors Kristi Flynn and Christopher Richards shared their stories with the committee, helping legislators understand the unique challenges faced by both kidney transplant and dialysis patients. HB 323 will now go to the full House for consideration, and if approved, moves over to the Senate. Thank you, Kristi and Christopher, for traveling to Atlanta to advocate for all [...]
Building Momentum: DPC’s Growing Patient Ambassador Network
By Yolonda Brisbane, DPC Grassroots Manager Since I began my role as Grassroots Manager for Dialysis Patient Citizens (DPC) in April 2022, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the growth of something truly special—the Patient Ambassador Program. This network of DPC members from across the country is dedicated to amplifying their voices and making a real difference. Turning personal health challenges and difficult experiences into action, they advocate for better care for the kidney patient community. In addition to their ongoing advocacy efforts, DPC Patient Ambassadors take part in Advocacy Day in Washington, DC, meeting with lawmakers to push for positive [...]
Dialysis Patient Citizens Mourns the Passing of Former Board Member Erich Ditschman
It is with a heavy heart that DPC Board, staff, and volunteers learned of the unexpected passing of one of our former Board Members, Erich Ditschman, on January 1, 2025. Erich was originally from Nyak, New York, but later moved to Michigan where he met his wife, completed both his undergraduate and master’s degrees, and raised his family. Advocacy was always at the heart of what Erich did – first as an environmental scientist advocating for river and watershed resources, then as a patient advocate for kidney disease after receiving a diagnosis of end stage renal disease in 2001. Erich joined [...]
California Resources
As the wildfires continue to profoundly affect communities in the Los Angeles area, Dialysis Patient Citizens extends its heartfelt support to all who are impacted by this devastating crisis. Thousands of structures have been affected, over 200,000 residents have been displaced, and to date, at least 27 people have lost their lives. Government officials, including Governor Newsom, have issued emergency declarations as the fires intensified, allowing for rapid deployment of resources to protect lives, property, and critical infrastructure. While some of you may not live in the immediate area of the wildfires, we understand that many of you may work, travel, [...]
DPC Gives Thanks to All Our Amazing Advocates
DPC would like to give thanks to our many patient advocates, family members, friends, coalition partners, legislative champions, healthcare partners, and countless supporters for your dedicated commitment and collaboration over the past 20 years. We are grateful for everything you do to help elevate the patient voice with policy makers. Wishing you and your loved ones a safe, healthy, and happy Thanksgiving celebration.
Native American Heritage Month
Native Americans have the highest diabetes prevalence in the U.S., which is the leading cause of kidney disease; they are two times more likely to develop kidney failure compared to white Americans, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Because people in the early stages of kidney failure often experience few or no symptoms, it’s important to get regular screenings, especially if you have a family history of diabetes or are at risk for diabetes. An early diagnosis and treatment plan can help preserve kidney function for longer and delay the need for dialysis. This November, DPC is proud [...]
Federal Officials Update Kidney Community on Baxter Hurricane Recovery
Officials from the US Department of Health and Human Services updated kidney care leaders on the fallout from hurricane damage to Baxter’s North Caroline plant. A representative of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response said that it is working with the FDA and Baxter to mitigate shortages of fluids for dialysis patients. The government has invoked the Defense Production Act to ensure that Baxter has the materials needed to clean up their facility. Two other companies are increasing production to their full capacity to bring additional products to market. Products from Baxter’s overseas facilities are being airlifted to the US, [...]