In 2025, our Everett Kidney Center achieved a meaningful milestone: doubling the number of patients actively listed for a kidney transplant.
In January 2025, six patients—12 percent of the clinic’s dialysis population—were on the transplant waitlist. By the end of 2025, that number grew to 13 patients, representing 23 percent of those receiving care at Everett.
This progress was led by an interdisciplinary team including Social Worker Merih Mehari, Dietitian Kim Langdon, Nurse Manager Charmaine Abero, and Dr. Laura Mayeda along with nurses and clinic staff working together toward a shared goal—helping more patients successfully move through the transplant approval process.
Each month, the team identified three priority patients and coordinated support across disciplines to address barriers step by step. They devoted additional time to transplant progress, connected newly eligible patients to Apple Health coverage, and strengthened clinic-wide knowledge through transplant-focused physician in-services. By making the process more navigable and consistent, the team helped patients stay engaged and moving forward.
“Every time I come to the clinic for dialysis, the staff check in with me about my transplant progress,” one patient shared. “When I have questions, they help me find answers quickly.”
Based on the success at Everett, we are now sharing this model across our other kidney centers to replicate these results and expand access to transplant system-wide.
In parallel, we are formalizing a multidisciplinary transplant panel to ensure patients do not fall through the cracks—especially those facing the greatest barriers. This group will focus on coordination, accountability, and added support for vulnerable patients as they navigate the transplant process.
The work underway at Everett demonstrates what is possible when teams are aligned around clear goals and patients receive coordinated, consistent support. Donor support makes this kind of progress possible—strengthening pathways to transplant and expanding access to life-saving care.