Tampa, Fla., July 1, 2009 – The American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP) is hosting its 36th Annual National Convention Sept. 3-5 in Denver, Colo. Continuing Education (CE) credits are offered to health care professional who attend pending approval from the accrediting agencies. The AAKP National Convention is the largest event of its kind, bringing patients, family members and health care professionals together for three days of educational sessions and exciting social events. Educational sessions feature topics on chronic kidney disease (CKD), dialysis and transplantation.

Health care professionals are invited to a special session, The Patient Perspective. This session is lead by kidney patients outlining the Patient/Family Centered Care model. “This is a unique opportunity for all individuals who serve patients,” stated AAKP President Roberta Wager, RN, MSN. “As a kidney disease educator, attending the AAKP Convention is a good reminder of why I became a nurse, to help others with a special need live a more productive life. Labs numbers are important, but remembering we are helping people is even more important.”

Full Convention registration packages start at $95 dollars for AAKP Patient/Family Members. AAKP Professional Members registration packages start at $195. The registration packages include three days of educational sessions, a souvenir t-shirt, tote bag and tickets to the First Time Attendees’ Luncheon, Welcome Reception, Welcoming Ceremonies and Annual Banquet and Awards Ceremony. CE credits are available for social workers and registered nurses pending approval from the accrediting agencies. For additional information please contact AAKP at (800) 749-AAKP.

Hotel reservations can be made by calling the Hyatt Regency Denver toll free at (800) 233-1234. To receive the preferred rate of $120 per night, identify yourself as an American Association of Kidney Patients attendee. Please make your reservations as early as possible as the Convention hotel has sold out in past years. The deadline to receive the preferred room rate of $120 per night is Aug. 4, 2009. For more information about the AAKP National Convention visit www.aakp.org/events/convention/2009.
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AAKP is the voluntary, patient organization, which for 40 years, has been dedicated to improving the lives of fellow kidney patients and their families by helping them deal with the physical, emotional and social impact of kidney disease. The programs offered by AAKP inform and inspire patients and their families to better understand their condition, adjust more readily to their circumstances, and assume more normal, productive lives in their communities.