American Kidney Fund Activates Disaster Relief Program to Support Dialysis and Post-Transplant Patients Affected by Kentucky Flooding

ROCKVILLE, Md. (Aug. 3, 2022)  — The American Kidney Fund (AKF) has activated its Disaster Relief Program to provide emergency grants to dialysis and post-transplant patients impacted by the devastating flooding in eastern Kentucky that has led to 37 deaths and 1,300 rescues. AKF's Disaster Relief Program is the nation's only rapid-response system that provides emergency financial assistance to dialysis and recent transplant patients.

"Our thoughts are with the individuals who have lost loved ones and have had to leave their homes due to the flooding that continues to plague eastern Kentucky. AKF stands ready to assist people on dialysis and post-transplant patients with financial aid," said LaVarne A. Burton, AKF President and CEO. "These grants are a lifeline during crises such as this one and they will help reduce the financial burden on Kentucky residents impacted by this disaster."

Emergency grants of $250 are being made available for dialysis and post-transplant patients who live in Breathitt, Clay, Knott, Letcher and Perry counties. Disaster relief grants from AKF help patients replace lost medications and special 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 Kentucky residents affected by flooding.

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. To donate in support of AKF's Disaster Relief Program, visit AKF's website.

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.