Washington, D.C. — Rep. Donald M. Payne, Jr. earned the National Kidney Foundation’s 2021 Congressional Award for his work to fight kidney disease.  The foundation gives the award annually to politicians who have shown an outstanding commitment to the improvement of kidney-related health issues.

Rep. Payne, Jr. received the award because of his strong support of kidney patients through his sponsorship of legislation, such as the Living Donor Protection Act (H.R. 1224), the Chronic Kidney Disease Improvement in Research and Treatment Act (H.R. 3912), and the Comprehensive Immunosuppressive Drug Coverage for Kidney Transplant Patients Act (H.R. 5534).  In addition, Rep. Payne, Jr. participates in several events designed to bring more awareness to kidney disease every year, such as the annual Kidney Walk held in Hamilton Township, New Jersey.  The foundation said Rep. Payne, Jr.’s attendance is an inspiration to all the patients, family members and volunteers at the events.

“It is an honor to be recognized for my work to prevent kidney disease,” said Rep. Payne, Jr.  “As a diabetic, this is a very personal issue for me.  We need to do everything we can to lower the cost of insulin and improve kidney-related health for millions of Americans.  I look forward to working with the National Kidney Foundation and other organizations dedicated to this cause to find better treatments to combat this disease in the future.”

Chronic kidney disease is a health issue that affects more than 37 million Americans.  It is the ninth-leading cause of death in the United States, yet 90 percent of Americans with the disease are not aware of it.  In New Jersey, there are roughly 22,000 people with end-stage kidney disease, including 2,340 patients who are on a kidney transplant waiting list.