Featured Topics Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Tests to Check Your Kidney Health Understanding Your Lab Values and Other CKD Health Numbers See All Kidney TopicsBrowse By Category Diet and nutrition Diseases and conditions Prevention, daily life, and wellbeing Tests and procedures Treatments and therapies Image Hot topics in kidney health podcastTune in for the latest research and perspectives on kidney health from NKF.
Related News & Stories Helping People with Kidney Disease Enjoy Food AgainHow a Texas Musician Transformed His Life After a Stage 4 Kidney Disease Diagnosis6 Diabetes Management Tips for Better Kidney Health6 New Year Resolutions for Kidney Health in 2025 Browse By Type Prevention & Awareness Patient Education Patient Stories Advocacy See all News & Stories Image How NKF's Digital Marketing Director Became an Altruistic Kidney DonorHear how NKF's very own Marketing Director, Dan Emerson, chose to give the gift of life to a stranger.
Image NKF Patient JourneyAnswer a few questions and we will provide you with information about your kidney health.Image CKD Basics CourseLearn about the basics of kidney disease, how it is measured, and what happens if you have kidney failure.Image Know Your RiskAnswer a few simple questions to find out if you are one of the 33% of adults in the U.S. who is at risk for kidney disease.
Featured Topics Nutrition and Kidney Disease, Stages 1-5 (Not on Dialysis) Phosphorus and Your Diet Potassium in Your CKD Diet CKD Diet: How much protein is the right amount? Sodium and Your CKD Diet: How to Spice Up Your Cooking See all Diet & Nutrition Topics Tools & ResourcesImage Recipe FinderNutrition is key to managing kidney disease and your overall healthImage Find a DietitianLooking for guidance on a kidney-friendly diet? Find a dietitian in your area. Image NutritionYour home for resources on eating with kidney disease or to care for your overall kidney health.
Featured Topics Dialysis Hemodialysis Home Hemodialysis Peritoneal Dialysis Depression and Dialysis See all Dialysis Topics Related News & Stories Kicking It In Dialysis: Sneakers as Symbols of Hope and HealingDealing with Dialysis: Music and Art TherapyThe Future of Artificial KidneysA Son’s Gift. A Wife’s Promise: Fighting for Living Kidney Donors Image Do you need support?NKF PEERS is a program where kidney patients, living donors, or care partners can connect over the phone with a trained mentor.
Featured Topics Kidney Transplant Xenotransplantation The Kidney Transplant Waitlist Care After Kidney Transplant See all Transplant Topics Related News & Stories Flipping Furniture and Fixing Futures: A Living Kidney Donor StoryHow One Artist is Changing Lives After Her Living Kidney Donation30 Thoughtful Holiday Gifts for People with Kidney DiseaseHow NKF's Digital Marketing Director Became a Life-Saving Altruistic Kidney Donor Image Kidney Transplantation ResourcesConsidering a kidney transplant? We’ll help you get started.
Featured Topics Clinical Trials Are Clinical Trials Safe? Finding out More about Clinical Trials Kidney Disease Clinical Trial Directory Who Can Participate in a Clinical Trial See all Clinical Trial Topics Related News & Stories Basic Science, Clinical Research, and Kidney Disease TreatmentsKidney Disease Clinical Trials: Are They Right for You?Important Research Findings Presented During National Kidney Foundation’s Annual Spring Clinical Meetings 2019 National Young Investigators Forum Winners Image Join the KidneyCARE StudyAdvance kidney research by sharing your experience living with kidney disease.Image Impact Patient-Centered ResearchKidney Research Connect matches you with research projects based on your connection to kidney disease.
Image InsuranceInsurance doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Learn about insurance options and choosing a plan that is right for you. Image Coping and Self-careImplementing coping strategies and practicing self-care are essential components in effectively managing illness and promoting overall health and well-being. Image Vaccine InformationAs a dialysis patient or transplant recipient you may be wondering — are vaccines safe for me? Do I need them?
Image NutritionLearn about a kidney-friendly diet, so you can stay healthy with kidney disease whether you are at home or dining out. Image ExerciseExercise is important for everyone, especially for people with kidney disease. Image Sexual HealthKidney disease can affect your sexuality in many ways — from hormones, nerves, energy levels, even medicine.
Image NKF CaresOffering support for people affected by kidney disease, organ donation, or transplantation.Image Local and National EventsAttend a National Kidney Foundation event close to you.Image NKF PeersWhere kidney patients are connected with trained mentors who have been there themselves.Image Become a Patient AdvocateAdd your voice to Voices for Kidney Health.Image Online CommunitiesWhere patients and caregivers can share experiences, ask questions, and get answers.Image Patient StoriesRead empowering stories from patients and their loved ones.
Featured Topics Kidney Transplant The Kidney Transplant Waitlist Getting a Kidney Transplant Getting a Living Donor Kidney Transplant Life with a Kidney Transplant See all Transplantation TopicsImage Find a Transplant WorkshopJoin us at a live event near you to learn more with The Big Ask, The Big Give.Image Learn More About Kidney TransplantDive deep with videos and patient stories in the Kidney Learning Center. Image Resources & Get InvolvedGet connected for support on your transplant journey.
Featured Topics Becoming a Living Donor Making the Decision to Donate Living Donor Evaluation Financial and Insurance Issues What to Expect after Donation See all Kidney Donation TopicsImage Learn More About Living DonationDive deep with videos and donor stories in the Kidney Learning Center.Image Ready to take the next step?Get started with information on how to connect with a transplant center. Image Resources & Get InvolvedGet connected with others who have donated a kidney.
Image Become a MemberLearn more about all the benefits a NKF membership can provide.Image Fellowship of the National Kidney FoundationFNKF recognizes professionals for service to NKF.Image Member LoginWe are multidisciplinary. We are clinicians and researchers. We are advocates.Image NSW-CThe first national credentialed classification for nephrology social work.Image Access to NKF JournalsNKF's journals feature the latest research in clinical nephology.Image NKF Professional CouncilsRepresentative bodies of NKF's professional membership.
Image Professional Education Resource CenterCME/CE courses designed for professionals committed to improving patient outcomes.Image Life as a Nephrology Professional PodcastExploring innovation and research in Nephrology.Image Spring Clinical MeetingsNKF’s premiere educational event for the interprofessional kidney health team.Image Kidney Commute PodcastProviding connection through education and serving as an innovative opportunity to fulfill CE requirements.
FundingImage GrantsAccess information on available grants and open applications.Image NKF Innovation FundLearn about our game changing impact investment initiative. Latest ResearchImage Research SpotlightSee how researchers are making strides in the fight against kidney disease.Image NKF’s Family of JournalsNKF's journals feature the latest research in clinical nephrology. Image Find Patient Participants for Your ResearchFind resources to connect you with patients and data for your research.
What is CKDintercept? What is CKDintercept?A groundbreaking initiative from the National Kidney Foundation to improve chronic kidney disease (CKD) testing, recognition, and management in primary care.Image Learn More About CKDinterceptOnly 10% of people living with CKD are aware that they have CKD.Image CKDintercept National OverviewNKF and partners will develop local road maps to drive a cultural shift in primary care.Image CKD Change PackageA systematic approach to transform CKD care, advance health equity, and improve health care quality.
What is KDOQI? What is KDOQI?KDOQI (Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative) is world renowned for improving the diagnosis and treatment of kidney disease, these guidelines have changed the practices of healthcare professionals and improved thousands of lives.Tools & Resources Guidelines and Commentaries Guideline Development Process Patient Centered Quality Measures Learn more about KDOQIImage Vascular Access Guidelines And Implementation ToolsComprehensive slide decks created by interdisciplinary experts.Image KDOQI AppDownload now to access guidelines and commentaries at your fingertips.
Featured Printable Tools CKD Heat Map Kidney Disease Stages Nephrotic Syndrome Phosphorus for Dialysis Patients CKD Change Package See all Clinician ToolsImage eGFR CalculatorUse our GFR calculators to estimate GFR for adults or children.Image H2Overload: Fluid Control for Heart-Kidney HealthDesigned for people who need to limit their fluid intake.Image KDOQI AppDownload now to access guidelines and commentaries at your fingertips.Image Vascular Access Guidelines And Implementation ToolsComprehensive slide decks created by interdisciplinary experts.
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2025-2026 Affiliated Local ChaptersCouncil on Renal Nutrition (CRN) Local Chapters Arizona Chair: Jennifer Dalejennifer.dale@davita.comCo-Chair: Allison Adamsaadams@pcacorp.comCRN Local Chapter Advisor: Sara Pratosara@theckddietitian.com Central Valley California (Fresno to Bakersfield) Chair: Karen McKneelykmckneely@pentechealth.comCRN Local Chapter Advisor: Sara Pratosara@theckddietitian.com Cincinnati Dayton (including Northern KY) Chair: Sheri Tierneystierney@usrenalcare.comCo-Chair: Lisa SornLisa.Sorn@dciinc.orgCRN Local Chapter Advisor: Jennifer Wyrick Jennifer.bazzanella@freseniusmedicalcare.com Dallas, TX Chair: Tanika CarrDallasCRN23@gmail.comCo-Chair: Lacey McMillianDallasCRN23@gmail.comCRN Local Chapter Advisor: Carol Limcrn.membership@gmail.com Fort Worth, TX Chair: Cassandra Parkercassandra.parker@innovativerenal.comCRN Local Chapter Advisor: Carol Limcrn.membership@gmail.com Hudson Valley (Albany New York Capital District) Chair: Susan Kovysusankovy142@gmail.comCRN Local Chapter Advisor: Marisol Kramermkramer@plrenal.com Illinois Chair: Melanie Betzmelanie@thekidneydietitian.orgCo-Chair: Ciara Murabitociaramurabito@yahoo.comCRN Local Chapter Advisor: Jennifer Wyrick Jennifer.bazzanella@freseniusmedicalcare.com Maryland and Delaware Chair: Christine Harechristineharecrn@gmail.comCRN Local Chapter Advisor: Marisol Kramermkramer@plrenal.com Michigan Chair: Karen Greathousegreatkar@med.umich.eduCo-Chair: Holley Hollowayhhollow1@hfhs.orgCRN Local Chapter Advisor: Jennifer Wyrick Jennifer.bazzanella@freseniusmedicalcare.com New England Chair: Lindsay Ducharmelducharmerd@gmail.comCo-Chair and CRN Local Chapter Advisor: Marisol Kramermkramer@plrenal.com North Carolina Chair: Natalie Warrellnatalie.warrell@freseniusmedicalcare.comCo-Chair: Tonya Stokestonya.stokes@davita.comCRN Local Chapter Advisor: Veronique Pettittveropettitt@gmail.com Northern California and Nevada Chair: Stephanie Forsytheforsythes@satellitehealth.comCo-Chair: Michelle Chalmerschalmersm@satellitehealth.comCRN Local Chapter Advisor: Sara Pratosara@theckddietitian.com Pacific Northwest (Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Alaska, Montana) Chair: Gregory Wisontgregory.wisont@nwkidney.orgCRN Local Chapter Advisor: Sara Pratosara@theckddietitian.com San Antonio, TX Chair: Tokiko Parkersanantoniocrn1@gmail.comCo-Chair: Theresa Tijerinatheresa.tijerina@davita.comCRN Local Chapter Advisor: Carol Limcrn.membership@gmail.com Southern California Chair: Victoria Lydeenvictorialydeen@icloud.comCo-Chair: Porche Jonesporchejones29@gmail.comCRN Local Chapter Advisor: Sara Pratosara@theckddietitian.com Southeast Texas (Houston) Chair and CRN Local Chapter Advisor: Carol LimCRN.SET@gmail.comCo-Chair: Monica Fuentesmonicaf@athomedialysis.com South Plains, TX Chair: Yanci KilgoraCRNSouthPlains@gmail.comCRN Local Chapter Advisor: Carol Limcrn.membership@gmail.com Upstate and Western New York Chair: Judy Kirknkfrdn619@gmail.comCo-Chair: Joan Entwistlejoan.entwistle@freseniusmedicalcare.comCRN Local Chapter Advisor: Marisol Kramermkramer@plrenal.com Utah Chair: Jacqueline Humphreysjacqueline_humpherys@ubh.orgCRN Local Chapter Advisor: Sara Pratosara@theckddietitian.com Virginia Chair: Kimberly Elliotke2x@uvahealth.orgCo-Chair: Lexie Davislexie.Davis@freseniusmedicalcare.comCRN Local Chapter Advisor: Veronique Pettittveropettitt@gmail.com Western Pennsylvania Chair: Diana HeasleyGRANNYNANNA@HOTMAIL.COMCRN Local Chapter Advisor: Marisol Kramermkramer@plrenal.com Wisconsin Chair and CRN Chapter Advisor: Jennifer WyrickJennifer.bazzanella@freseniusmedicalcare.comCo-Chair: Jill Hoytjillhoyt@nelson-tel.netCouncil of Nephrology Social Workers (CNSW) Local Chapters Central Florida Chair: Anny Daneshvaranny.daneshvar@freseniusmedicalcare.comCo-Chair: Jacinth Jenkins TaylorJacinth.JenkinsTaylor@va.govCNSW Local Chapter Advisor: Tiffena Piercetiffena.pierce1@freseniusmedicalcare.com Georgia Chair: Hannah Graveshannnah.graves@piedmont.orgCo-Chair: Rebecca Holt-Peeblesrebecca.holt-peebles@va.govCNSW Local Chapter Advisor: Tiffena Piercetiffena.pierce1@freseniusmedicalcare.com Kansas and Western Missouri Chair: Michelle Goldstonmgoldston@saint-lukes.orgCo-Chair: Kelsey BrownKelsey.Ricketts@freseniusmedicalcare.comCNSW Local Chapter Advisor: Michelle Rowlettchelle600@gmail.com Metro New York (including Long Island and Westchester) Chair: Kristina Pinokristina.pino@freseniusmedicalcare.comCo-Chair: Lauren Coylaurencoy@mountsinai.orgCNSW Local Chapter Advisor: Lauren Smithermanltpaul@med.umich.edu Michigan Chair: Holly Jenkins RileyHRILEY1@hfhs.org Co-Chair: Holly Cracraftholly.cracraft@freseniusmedicalcare.com CNSW Local Chapter Advisor: Tiffena Piercetiffena.pierce1@freseniusmedicalcare.com New Jersey Chair: Thomas Lepetichtom.lepetich@davita.comCo-Chair: Maureen O'Grady-Hamremaureen.ogrady@innovativerenal.comCNSW Local Chapter Advisor: Lauren Smithermanltpaul@med.umich.edu North Texas (Dallas/Forth Worth) Chair: Victoria Carrillovictoria.carrillo@usrenalcare.com Co-Chair: Gary Shearrergary.shearrer@freseniusmedicalcare.com CNSW Local Chapter Advisor: Tiffena Piercetiffena.pierce1@freseniusmedicalcare.com Pacific Northwest (Washington, Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Utah) Chair and CNSW Local Chapter Advisor: Michelle Rowlettchelle600@gmail.comCo-Chair: Karli Mitzelkarli.mitzel@davita.com Southern New England (Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts) Chair: Sarah Stevensonsarah.stevenson@va.govCNSW Local Chapter Advisor: Lauren Smithermanltpaul@med.umich.edu Upper Midwest (Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Western Wisconsin) Chair: Jennifer Miller Jennifer.Miller2@allina.comCNSW Local Chapter Advisor: Michelle Rowlettchelle600@gmail.com Upstate and Western NY Chair: Kelli WoodsKelli.Woods@rochesterregional.orgCo-Chair: Hallie SzatkowskiHallie.Szatkowski@rochesterregional.orgCNSW Local Chapter Advisor: Lauren Smithermanltpaul@med.umich.edu Western Pennsylvania Chair: Dean Morrisdean.morris@davita.comCNSW Local Chapter Advisor: Tiffena Piercetiffena.pierce1@freseniusmedicalcare.com Wisconsin Chair: Jessica Wicksjwicks@beloithealthsystem.orgCNSW Local Chapter Advisor: Michelle Rowlettchelle600@gmail.comExecutive Council ContactsCouncil on Renal NutritionMembership ChairCarol Lim, RD, LD crn.membership@gmail.comCouncil of Nephrology Social WorkersMembership ChairSarah Stevenson, LICSW, NSW-C, CCMsarah.stevenson@va.gov
