2026 World Kidney Day Health Resource Fair

Throughout Kidney Month, the Northwest Kidney Council (NWKC) has been on-the-ground advocating for kidney dialysis patients and the providers who care for them.

Building on the momentum of last year’s World Kidney Health Day Resource Fair, NWKC staff traveled to Portland, Oregon, to participate in the 2026 Kidney Health Resource Fair at Portland State University.

This year’s event, organized by community advocate Maria Fernanda, brought together a growing network of partners - from kidney dialysis patient advocates to food access organizations and transplant educators - all united by a shared goal: improving kidney health outcomes across Oregon and Washington.

Participating organizations included:

• 211info

• American Kidney Fund

• Certified Languages International

• Donate Life Northwest 

• FACT Oregon

• Make-A-Wish Oregon

• NephCure Kidney International

• Northwest Kidney Connection

• Northwest Kidney Kids

• OHSU Oregon Family-to-Family Health Information Center

• Oregon Food Bank

• Oregon Health Care Authority

• Portland State University

Conversations at the event highlighted ongoing opportunities to expand translation services and improve access to social workers who help people navigate complex care - an area that remains important following Oregon’s 2026 legislative session, including bills like HB 2554 that would reduce barriers for social workers seeking to work in Oregon.

Maria’s story, celebrating her daughter’s kidney transplant just a few months ago, served as a powerful reminder of why this advocacy work matters. It grounded the event in real people and underscored the importance of showing up for kidney dialysis patients and the providers who support them.

As this event continues to grow, so does its impact, bringing partners together, lifting up kidney dialysis patient voices, and helping build a more connected kidney care system.