Dialysis Patient Citizens

10/15/2026

As Hispanic Heritage Month comes to a close, we’re celebrating the strength, pride, and lived experiences of Hispanic and Latino voices in the kidney community.
DPC Board Member Adrian Miller was raised by his mother, father, and grandparents in a proud Chicano family, who taught him to embrace his identity and never believe he was less than anyone else because of his background or heritage.
That foundation of pride, resilience, and determination has helped shape Adrian’s outlook on life, including his journey with kidney disease. His story reminds us that our roots can give us the strength to overcome challenges and advocate for equal access and opportunities.
Join us in celebrating Adrian’s story and the importance of representation in the kidney community!

10/13/2026

Join DPC in thanking Illinois State Rep. Rita Mayfield for taking the time to visit with members of the kidney community and hear directly from patients about the issues that matter most to them at one of her local DaVita Dialysis Centers.🗣️
Having elected officials see firsthand the care dedicated staff members provide and hear directly from the dialysis community about their experiences is extremely valuable.
Thank you, Representative Mayfield, for your visit.💙

10/13/2026

Today, DPC remembers and honors the life and legacy of Dori Schatell, a passionate advocate for patient empowerment and a dedicated leader in the kidney community.

For decades, Dori worked to improve the lives of people with kidney disease, championing patient education, informed decision-making, and a better quality of life. Her dedication made a lasting impact on the kidney community, and we are deeply grateful for her contributions.

Our thoughts are with Dori’s family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered. 💙

To learn more about Dori’s remarkable career and the impact she made, visit the Medical Education Institute’s website. A memorial service will also be held later this week, with an opportunity to attend via Zoom. Visit the link below for more information.

🔗https://mei.org/remembering-dori-schatell/?fbclid=IwY2xjawU6U1xleHRuA2FlbQIxMABwZG9mAWJyaWQRMUR1Tk1MWm1VaVZKeU5WcWpzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEea1fXOKgJjqPmUwlcttcS_lH635vgxtdiPQBmlmK1vrEMQep88rWpayKK-hg_aem_fQf5Ui2urXF4ZRmNisHtGA

Medical Education InstituteEmpowering people with chronic disease to manage and improve their health.Dori Schatell In loving memoryDori SchatellFebruary 24, 1960 – October 8, 2026Share a memoryGive in her memory It is with profound sadness that the Medical Education Institute (MEI) shares the pass...

10/13/2026

Meet DPC Patient Ambassador Cassie Bertwell from Lincoln, Nebraska. 💙
At just 25, Cassie was diagnosed with renal failure caused by systemic lupus. She was pregnant, undergoing chemotherapy, starting dialysis, and facing the possibility of losing her health insurance—all while fighting for her life.
After 14 months on dialysis, Cassie received a kidney transplant from her brother. Today, she’s nine years post-transplant and the proud mom of a healthy 6-year-old daughter, born on her third transplant anniversary.
Cassie is now speaking out about the importance of protecting dialysis patients’ access to private insurance and urging the Nebraska congressional delegation to support the Restore Protections for Dialysis Patients Act.
Feeling inspired to make a difference? Join advocates like Cassie and help ensure dialysis patients' voices are heard.
👉 To learn more about our Patient Ambassador Program and how you can get involved, visit our website.
https://www.dialysispatients.org/get-involved/patient-ambassadors/

10/12/2026

In observance of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, DPC is closed today.
As we look ahead to Native American Heritage Month in November, we’ll share a series highlighting our Native American members, addressing health disparities that continue to affect Indigenous communities, and recognizing the significant contributions of Native peoples to our nation.
DPC remains committed to promoting awareness, advancing health equity, and celebrating the communities we serve.

10/12/2026

Patient Ambassador Pesh Patel is using his voice to advocate for dialysis patients and bring attention to legislation that could help protect access to health coverage.
In his letter, Pesh shares his perspective and helps raise awareness of the challenges dialysis patients face.
Read Pesh’s letter and learn more about the legislation: https://www.dialysispatients.org/news/letters-bill-in-congress-would-help-dialysis-patients/

10/10/2026

Could faster, more efficient clinical trials change the future of kidney care?
What would you want to see improved most—timelines, enrollment, or patient access?
Read the article and join the conversation. 👇

HHS launched a multi-component effort intended to improve the speed and efficiency with which clinical trials are conducted.The series of initiatives is designed to eliminate duplication, ensure more efficient enrollment and provide patients with earlier access to promising therapies.

10/09/2026

Your voice can make a difference in your local community! 💙

There are many ways to get involved with the dialysis community. Order materials to share with patients, families, and others in your community. Write a blog to share your personal story and help others feel less alone. Get involved in advocacy and help raise awareness about issues that matter to dialysis patients.

Every voice and every story can help build a stronger, more informed community.

👉 Find ways to get involved: https://www.dialysispatients.org/get-involved/

10/07/2026

📅 Happening Today!
Our October Roundtable is today, October 7, 2026, at 4:30 PM, and will focus on children with CKD and/or those on dialysis.
We’re honored to welcome Sandra Amaral, MD, MHS, President of the American Society of Pediatric Nephrology, Medical Director of the Pediatric Kidney Transplant Program and Hand Transplant Program, Professor of Pediatrics at the Perelman School of Medicine, and Distinguished Endowed Chair in the Division of Nephrology at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP).
Dr. Scantlebury will facilitate and moderate this important conversation.
💻 Join us today at 4:00 PM!
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85255972844

10/06/2026

Governor Gavin Newsom has signed AB 1798, the Safeguarding Genetic Information Act, strengthening protections for Californians from the use of genetic information in life and disability insurance underwriting. The law takes effect January 1, 2027.
DPC is proud to be a supporting organization in this important effort to help ensure that genetic testing can be used to inform health care and personal decisions without creating barriers to insurance coverage.
We’re grateful to the patients, advocates, policymakers, and coalition partners who helped make this milestone possible.