Chronic kidney disease (CKD) ranks among the leading causes of mortality in the United States, impacting approximately 1 in 7 (37 million) Americans nationwide. Veterans, however, have an even higher rate of CKD, with about 1 in 6 being affected. Two primary contributors to the disease–diabetes and high blood pressure–afflict 25% and 81% of veterans, respectively. Recognizing the gravity of this issue, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the American Kidney Fund (AKF) have been collaborating to provide enhanced healthcare resources for veterans with CKD. 

Combating kidney disease and health inequity

In addition to combating CKD for the estimated 600,000 veterans living with the disease, including the more than 40,000 veterans registered with the VA who are living with kidney failure, AKF’s collaboration with VA further seeks to bridge healthcare disparities among veterans, particularly addressing racial and ethnic disparities, with Black veterans being nearly twice as likely as non-Hispanic White veterans to develop CKD. 

Through this partnership, AKF and VA endeavor to expand access to essential healthcare resources and empower veterans to not only manage CKD but proactively prevent it.

VA-AKF initiatives for veterans

AKF’s initiatives extend beyond awareness campaigns to provide tangible support for veterans with kidney disease. The organization has disbursed financial assistance to over 6,000 veterans and disseminated educational resources through the Know Your Kidneys campaign, reaching approximately 1,700 VA clinics nationwide. Additionally, AKF offers tailored resources for veterans, including, among others:

• Benefits information handouts, 
• Educational materials,
• Financial assistance, and 
• Nutritional guidance through the Kidney Kitchen platform. 

The VA complements these efforts by providing its own range of services, such as:

• Dialysis and transplant information, 
• Telehealth programs, and 
• A dedicated veteran-specific CKD toolkit. 

Together, the VA and AKF strive to equip veterans with the necessary tools and resources to manage CKD effectively and improve their overall quality of life.

Click the links to learn more about the VA and AKF partnership.

*Chen, C. (2024, April 23). VA and American Kidney Fund partnership. VA News. https://news.va.gov/130300/va-and-american-kidney-fund-partnership/ 

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