American Kidney Fund Activates Disaster Relief Program to Provide Aid to Dialysis and Post-Transplant Patients Impacted by Wildfires in Southern California

ROCKVILLE, Md. (Jan. 10, 2025)  — The American Kidney Fund (AKF) has activated its Disaster Relief Program to assist dialysis and post-transplant patients living in areas impacted by the wildfires in Southern California. AKF's Disaster Relief Program is the nation's only rapid-response system that provides emergency financial assistance to dialysis and recent transplant patients.  

California Gov. Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency as a result of the fires, which have killed at least 10 people and caused significant injuries to others. Five fires that spread quickly due to strong winds this week led to evacuation orders for tens of thousands of people across the Los Angeles County area and have damaged more than 10,000 structures. Evacuation is especially difficult for people who rely on dialysis treatments three times per week.  

"Our hearts go out to everyone who has been impacted by the devastating wildfires in Southern California," said LaVarne A. Burton, AKF President and CEO. "Natural disasters are particularly frightening and hazardous for people with kidney failure, who depend on dialysis treatments to stay alive and who need specific medications and foods to maintain their health. AKF stands ready to provide critical financial support to patients in the path of these destructive wildfires."   

Emergency grants of $250 are available for dialysis and post-transplant patients living in the following counties in California: Los Angeles, Riverside and Ventura. AKF will continue to monitor the situation and add other counties as necessary. Disaster relief grants help patients with low incomes replace lost medications and kidney-friendly foods (which may be spoiled due to power outages), 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 with little to no notice.   

People with kidney failure are more susceptible to difficulties during a natural disaster, as interruptions to dialysis treatments can put them at risk for being hospitalized. AKF has developed a resource page for patients impacted by the wildfires, which can be accessed here.

To donate in support of AKF's disaster relief efforts for the Southern California wildfires, visit AKF's website. AKF covers the administrative costs of this program so that 100% of donations may go directly to patients in need. 

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 three decades. Last year, AKF administered more than $232,000 in emergency grants to 932 people impacted by Hurricane Helene, and more than $111,000 in emergency grants to 451 people impacted by Hurricane Milton.  

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