The mission of the National Kidney Foundation of Hawai'i, a major voluntary health organization, is to prevent kidney and urinary tract diseases, to improve the health and well-being of individuals and families affected by these diseases, and to increase the availability of all organs and tissue for transplantation in Hawaii. The National Kidney Foundation of Hawai'i (NKFH) is the state's leading voluntary health agency dedicated to the detection, prevention and treatment of kidney and urinary tract diseases. As an advocacy group, the organization has helped shape legislation that allows Medicare to cover the majority costs of dialysis of the medical costs of kidney transplants. Prior to this legislation in the 1960's, many people did not survive after their kidneys failed. Through its national offices, 51 affiliates, and more than 200 chapters nationwide, the National Kidney Foundation develops and delivers programs to communities and individuals. Leading these efforts in Hawai'i are more than 1,000 committed volunteers. Together, they bring help and hope to the more than 2,000 Hawaii residents who suffer from kidney failure and the many more who have kidney and urological diseases in our islands. This is accomplished through patients and community services, advocacy, public and professional education, research and organ donation programs.