Three years after launching its inaugural cohort of Centers of Excellence (COEs) and Partner Clinics, the PKD Foundation continues to expand access to high-quality, specialized care for more than 500,000 people living with polycystic kidney disease (PKD) and their loved ones nationwide.
In alignment with the program’s three-year renewal cycle, clinics designated as COEs and Partner Clinics in 2022 were invited to apply for re-designation and underwent a comprehensive review by the Foundation COE Advisory Panel, comprised of clinicians and patient stakeholders.
Following this review, the PKD Foundation has redesignated 36 clinics, including 27 Centers of Excellence and nine Partner Clinics, reflecting sustained excellence in PKD care across the country. In addition, one clinic advanced from Partner Clinic to Center of Excellence status.
With these designations, the PKD Foundation’s national network now includes 81 Centers of Excellence and Partner Clinics, serving both pediatric and adult patients.
“While we continue working toward new treatments and a cure for PKD, we are also making tangible progress in the care patients receive today,” said Susan Bushnell, Chief Executive Officer of the PKD Foundation. “Our Centers of Excellence play a critical role in improving outcomes and supporting families with the expertise and resources they need to navigate PKD.”
The Foundation is also continuing its investment in clinical care by providing $470,000 in FY26 funding to support seven care teams. This investment is designed to strengthen multidisciplinary care models and further empower clinics to meet the complex needs of the PKD community.
For more information on the PKD Foundation’s COE program, please click below:
For questions or additional information, please contact Caitlin Lasky, Director of Marketing and Communications, at caitlinl@pkdcure.org or 816.268.8482.
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About the PKD Foundation
Since 1982, the PKD Foundation has been dedicated to improving the lives of people impacted by polycystic kidney disease (PKD). The Foundation drives research to find treatments and a cure while providing education, advocacy, and direct support to communities nationwide. It is the largest private funder of PKD research in the U.S.
PKD is a chronic, genetic disorder marked by the uncontrolled growth of cysts in the kidneys and other organs, often leading to kidney failure. An estimated 500,000 people in the U.S. have PKD. There is currently no cure and only one approved treatment to slow disease progression.
The PKD Foundation is the only U.S. organization solely focused on PKD.