American Kidney Fund Activates Disaster Relief Program to Support Dialysis and Post-Transplant Patients Affected by Hurricane Ian in Florida

ROCKVILLE, Md. (Sept. 28, 2022) — The American Kidney Fund (AKF) has activated its Disaster Relief Program to provide emergency grants to dialysis and post-transplant patients impacted by Hurricane Ian, which has led to mandatory evacuations and may result in life-threatening storm surge. AKF's Disaster Relief Program is the nation's only rapid-response system that provides emergency financial assistance to dialysis and recent transplant patients.

"We are holding Floridians who are in Hurricane Ian's path in our thoughts as they brace for the impact of this powerful storm," said LaVarne A. Burton, AKF President and CEO. "AKF stands ready and available to help people on dialysis and post-transplant patients with financial aid. This funding provides essential, lifesaving support during disasters such as this one and it will help ease the financial burden on Floridians who are affected by Hurricane Ian."

Emergency grants of $250 are available for dialysis and post-transplant patients in the state of Florida from Orlando southward. AKF will continue to monitor the situation and may expand the area as needed. Disaster relief grants from AKF help patients replace lost medications and renal diet foods, pay for temporary housing and transportation to treatment, and replace clothing and personal essentials lost due to the natural disaster or the need to evacuate without notice.

People with kidney failure are especially vulnerable during a natural disaster; disruptions to dialysis treatments can put them at risk for being hospitalized. AKF has developed a resource page for residents of Florida affected by Hurricane Ian.  

AKF has been providing emergency disaster financial assistance to kidney patients throughout all the major disasters that have struck the United States and its territories for the past two decades. Last year, AKF allocated $480,500 to more than 2,300 dialysis and post-transplant patients during the Texas winter storm crisis and in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida and the December 2021 tornadoes. Most recently, AKF activated its disaster relief program to assist people with kidney failure in Puerto Rico impacted by Hurricane Fiona.

To donate in support of AKF's disaster relief to patients affected by Hurricane Ian, visit AKF's website. AKF covers the administrative costs of this program so that 100% of donations may go directly to patients in need.

Dialysis and recent kidney transplant patients who need emergency financial help should contact a social worker at their dialysis or transplant clinic for information on applying for aid or apply directly at gms.KidneyFund.org.