American Kidney Fund Activates Disaster Relief Program to Support Dialysis and Post-Transplant Patients Affected by Hurricane Fiona in Puerto Rico

ROCKVILLE, Md. (Sept. 20, 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 Fiona in Puerto Rico. The storm has led to significant flash flooding and power outages for 1.3 million people. 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 people of Puerto Rico as they grapple with the devastating effects of Hurricane Fiona," said LaVarne A. Burton, AKF President and CEO. "AKF is ready and available to assist people on dialysis and post-transplant patients by providing financial aid. These funds give critical, lifesaving support during emergencies such as this one and they will help lessen the financial burden on Puerto Ricans impacted by this disaster."  

Emergency grants of $250 are available for dialysis and post-transplant patients in Puerto Rico. 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 Puerto Rico affected by Hurricane Fiona.  

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 to patients affected by Hurricane Fiona, 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.