Do you need support?

You aren’t alone! Talk to someone who’s been there.

 

En Español

peers_hero_mobile_logo_color_v4.jpeg

What is NKF PEERS?

NKF PEERS is a program where kidney patients, living donors, or care partners can connect over the phone with a trained mentor. Mentors are people who have been there themselves and can help others by sharing their experiences.

Who is NKF PEERS for?

Illustration of man looking down, a thought bubble near his head shows a rain cloud

Kidney Patients

I have kidney disease and need help.


Are you coping with kidney disease? Do you have questions, need support, or simply want to talk with someone else with kidney disease?

We can help! We can connect you with another kidney patient to talk about kidney disease, dialysis, transplant, or living kidney donation.

Woman opening dark drapes to reveal sunshine

Living Donors

I am thinking about donating a kidney and want to learn more.


Are you thinking about donating a kidney to someone who needs a transplant? We can connect you with someone who’s already become a living donor.

Living donors can share what it’s like to donate and give you the resources and support that you need. They can also support you after donation.

younger woman holding hand and shoulder of older woman

Care Partners

I am a care partner of someone living with kidney disease.


Are you caring for someone who is on dialysis or living with a transplant?

Your role can sometimes feel overwhelming. We can connect you with another care partner who relates with the challenges adjusting to dialysis, dialyzing at home, finding a living donor, or adjusting to life post-transplant.

Woman talking on the phone and holding a mug of tea

Peer Mentor

I’m doing well and want to help others.


Can you relate as a kidney patient, living donor, or care partner and feel you are doing well?

Consider being a Peer Mentor to help others along their way. Complete this brief application to get started. Once approved, you will participate in a 5-hour virtual training to prepare you to support your peer mentee(s) in the NKF PEERS program

How it Works:

Icon showing a form that's been filled out

Tell us about yourself

Fill out the brief form so we can find out more about what you need.
icon showing two people being matched with eachother

Get matched

We’ll find the right person to talk with you, based on your personal situation.

phone icon

Connect

You’ll connect with them through a toll-free, confidential phone system, one-on-one.

Do you want to learn more about the PEERS program?

We can help!

We speak English and Spanish and are available Monday - Friday from 9:00am - 7:00pm Eastern Time.

855.NKF.CARES
nkfcares@kidney.org

Watch to Learn More

The NKF Peers Program helps those living with kidney disease.

Play video

Hear from a mentor and mentee on their relationship through the NKF Peers program.

Play video

Listen to one person’s experience with our program.

Play video

FAQ for People Needing Support

Who is this program for?

You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the United States or Puerto Rico to participate.

 

Kidney patients in any of these situations:

  • If you were told you need dialysis or a transplant
  • If you have been diagnosed with CKD stage 4 or 5
  • If you are having a hard time on dialysis
  • Are considering home dialysis
  • Are considering becoming a living donor

 

Living donors:

  • If you are thinking about donating a kidney
  • If you have already donated a kidney

 

Care partners (caregivers) of people with kidney disease:

  • If you are supporting someone who is currently on or going to be starting dialysis
  • If you are supporting someone waiting for or living with a kidney transplant
  • If you are a parent or caregiver of a child with kidney disease

Who will be helping me?

  • Peer Mentors are people living well with kidney disease, living donors or care partners (caregivers) of people with kidney disease, who have gone through a comprehensive training program by the National Kidney Foundation
  • Peer Mentors are not medical professionals and are not a substitute for any medical professional

How will this program help me?

Through this program, you can:

  • Speak to someone who understands…because they’ve been there
  • Hear someone’s story and perspective to help you adjust to what you’re going through
  • Get your questions and concerns addressed
  • Find out more about treatment options
  • Learn about other resources that will help

How does the program work?

  • After you complete a brief online form we’ll connect you with a Peer Mentor or an NKF social worker to ask some additional questions
  • You can choose to use our app to connect with your Peer Mentor, or we can help select someone for you
  • The program is all held over the phone, so you won’t need to go to another appointment

Will I be talking to someone one-on-one?

  • Yes, you’ll be matched with someone to talk by phone, one-on-one
  • If you’d like to connect with a larger group online, you’re welcome to join our online communities

Can my Peer Mentor recommend a doctor for me?

  • No. Peer Mentors cannot offer medical advice or opinions, nor endorse or recommend specific physicians, healthcare providers, facilities, treatments or providers
  • They can share their experiences, how they have been able to live well, listen to your questions or concerns, and provide resources to help

Is it private?

  • Yes, all information is kept confidential between you and your Peer Mentor
  • An NKF social worker oversees the program to make sure you’re getting the best support possible

Other Resources

icon showing a laptop with a kidney bean on the screen

Prefer connecting online? Connect with others here!

stethoscope icon

Find materials about NKF Peers for your patients.

life raft icon
Depression is common in people who are on dialysis and can affect kidney health, as well as overall well-being. Learn more at pcori.org.

Sponsored by

large Baxter logo, large DaVita logo, small Vizient logo

This program is an example of our multifaceted efforts in upholding an unwavering commitment towards achieving KIDNEY EQUITY FOR ALL.

Join our Fight