The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) Peer Program's mission is to connect people newly diagnosed with kidney disease or struggling with a transition in their situation with people who have been down the same road. We have trained people across the continuum of kidney-related experience: dialysis patients, those waiting for a transplant, transplant recipients, living donors, support people of those with kidney disease and those with chronic kidney disease (CKD) who are neither on dialysis or waiting for a transplant. See below for answers to frequently asked questions and for the link to an application.

If you are interested in getting trained to be a Peer or would like to get in touch with an NKF Peer for education and support contact Patty McCormac, RN, at patty.mccormac@kidney.org or 415-543-3303, ext. 104. To see an application click here.

 
What does a NKF Peer Volunteer do?

• A Peer Volunteer is a person who has experience with kidney disease, dialysis, or transplant and wants to share their story and personal experience.
• NKF peers will contact people who have contacted NKF looking for information & support, willing to talk to someone who has experienced the disease first hand or is the support person for someone who has kidney disease.
• NKF Peers will also have the opportunity to represent NKF at health fairs, volunteer at health screenings, do advocacy work in Sacramento and attend periodic NKF peer support groups to update each other on the experience of being a peer.

How is peer to peer contact made?

• NKF receives many calls from people new to kidney disease or facing dialysis or transplant. If they are interested in talking to a peer, we will match them by experience whenever possible. For example, if a caller wants to know more about peritoneal dialysis we will refer them to a volunteer who is on or has been on peritoneal dialysis.

How much time must a Peer Volunteer commit?

• You tell us how much time you have to dedicate and we will respect your level of availability.
• You will be notified of upcoming programs and events at which you may choose to volunteer.
• You may be invited to represent NKF at health fairs, screenings, or fundraising events.

Is my identity and information kept confidential?

• YES. We will provide the caller only the information you permit us to disclose.

What if the Peer Caller asks for information unknown to the Peer Volunteer?

• Peer Volunteers need to refer callers back to an NKF staff member whenever they are unsure about information requested.
• It is never appropriate to give medical advice or influence medical treatment decisions.

Where does a Peer Volunteer get their resources?

• NKF hopes you feel comfortable sharing your personal experience and the means through which you gained any resources that were helpful.
• NKF will provide you with a list of resources appropriate to share with others - including websites and printed materials.

Does the Peer Volunteer receive special training?

• NKF Peer Training is on Sunday, November 16th in Redwood City -- Location details to follow.
• This will be a one-day training. You will receive a resource binder as well as guidance on how to share your experience and assist in guiding people to good educational resources.
• You will learn ways you may become involved with NKF programs and events.

How does someone become a Peer Volunteer?

• To become a Peer Volunteer, please complete the Application form and return it to NKF attn: Patty McCormac, RN. Click here to get to the application form.
  • Email to: patty.mccormac@kidney.org
  • Fax: 415-543-3331
  • Mail to: 131 Steuart Street Ste. 520, San Francisco, CA 94105
  • Or call 415-543-3303, ext. 104.