Southern West Virginia News

Today, Congresswoman Carol Miller and Congresswoman Suzan DelBene announced the re-launch of the bipartisan Congressional Kidney Caucus. The caucus aims to provide an informational and educational platform focused on kidney health, technology, and reimbursement.

Congresswoman Miller expressed her commitment to raising awareness about kidney illnesses and removing barriers to care. "Millions of Americans, including thousands of West Virginians, are suffering from Chronic Kidney Disease, but have limited access to life-sustaining care. That’s why I am excited to re-launch the bipartisan Congressional Kidney Caucus as a Co-Chair to increase educational awareness of kidney illnesses and remove any barriers that may prevent patients, hospitals, and donors from accessing vital resources. I look forward to working with Co-Chair Congresswoman DelBene to improve health care for kidney patients within our districts and across the United States," she said.

Congresswoman DelBene highlighted previous bipartisan efforts in improving education and care for those with kidney disease. "The Kidney Caucus made important bipartisan strides during the first Trump administration and under President Biden to improve early education, prevention, and care for people living with kidney disease, as well as investments in artificial kidney developments. We must continue to build on this progress in the next administration by encouraging innovation and research and making sure we quickly proceed with the ongoing reforms to the organ transplant system. If Congress puts more of the right tools and resources into kidney care, we can meaningfully improve the quality of life for millions of Americans, give new hope to their families, and save significant taxpayer dollars in the long run," she stated.

Chronic Kidney Disease affects over 35 million Americans. In West Virginia alone, 3,714 individuals are currently living with kidney failure. During the 118th Congress, Congresswoman Miller introduced several bills aimed at supporting patients and donors through legislative measures such as the Kidney PATIENT Act and Improving Access to Home Dialysis Act.