Detroit, Michigan, October 2, 2025
News Summary
Quiana Bishop has been elected as the new President of the Board of Directors for Dialysis Patient Citizens (DPC). Having previously served as Vice President, her advocacy for dialysis patients, stemming from her personal experience, emphasizes the need for improved kidney care policies. DPC is urging legislative action to restore healthcare access for dialysis patients, particularly in light of recent challenges, as Bishop leads efforts to enhance support for those affected by End-Stage Renal Disease.
Detroit, Michigan – Quiana Bishop has been elected as the new President of the Board of Directors for Dialysis Patient Citizens (DPC) as of October 1, 2025. This leadership change marks a significant transition within the organization that advocates for the rights and needs of dialysis patients across the country.
Bishop, who has been actively involved in DPC, previously served as the Vice President of the board. Her journey from being a patient to taking on a leadership role highlights her commitment to advocating for improved kidney care policies. Over the years, she has engaged with lawmakers to foster dialogue and push for enhancements in healthcare for dialysis patients.
Having been on hemodialysis for eight years, Bishop knows firsthand the challenges that patients face. Originally from Chicago, Illinois, she has encountered significant personal struggles since her diagnosis. Despite not qualifying for a kidney transplant due to medical issues, she remains devoted to her role as an advocate for those living with kidney disease.
In her capacity as Vice President, Bishop shared her personal experiences to educate policymakers about the realities of living with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). Her dedication culminated in a recent published letter in the Detroit Free Press, where she urged Congress to preserve dialysis patients’ access to private insurance coverage. This push is rooted in the critical need for comprehensive health insurance for dialysis patients, allowing them to manage their care without financial strain.
The current federal law offers ESRD patients a crucial transitional period by enabling them to retain employer-sponsored health coverage for 30 months post-diagnosis. This coverage is vital because it provides patients with greater healthcare options before they must transition to Medicare. Many families benefit from this extended coverage, as employer-sponsored plans typically offer broader support than Medicare.
However, recent legal challenges have created uncertainties in the protections afforded to dialysis patients. A notable case, the Supreme Court ruling in Marietta Memorial Hospital v. Davita, weakened some of these protections, posing risks of premature coverage loss and forcing patients to switch to Medicare sooner than necessary. This legal landscape has emphasized the urgency for legislative resolutions.
In response, DPC is actively advocating for the Restore Protections for Dialysis Patients Act (S. 1173/H.R. 2199). This bipartisan bill, introduced by Senators Cory Booker, Bill Cassidy, Kevin Cramer, and Martin Heinrich, along with Representatives Mike Kelly, Yvette Clarke, Neal Dunn, Danny Davis, John Joyce, and Raul Ruiz, aims to restore vital health insurance access for dialysis patients. DPC believes that Bishop’s election will enhance their mission and advocacy efforts, leveraging her personal insights and experiences to drive impactful change.
Beyond her newfound role, Bishop remains dedicated to her family, being a single mother to a 20-year-old son. Before her diagnosis, she contributed to education as an elementary school and infant room teacher, showcasing her commitment to nurturing and guiding young minds.
The Dialysis Patient Citizens organization focuses on empowering dialysis patients through education, advocacy, and community engagement. With Bishop leading the board, DPC anticipates growth in its initiatives, enhancing support for patients navigating the complexities of kidney disease and advocating for essential health policies at both state and federal levels.
The leadership of Quiana Bishop symbolizes hope for many dialysis patients. Her passion for improving kidney care and extensive advocacy work positions her to effectively champion the rights of those who endure the challenges of dialysis treatment.
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Additional Resources
- PR Newswire: Quiana Bishop Elected President of Dialysis Patient Citizens
- WXYZ: Metro Detroit Woman Advocating for Kidney Disease Patients
- Michigan Advance: Community Advocates on Pollution’s Impact
- Wikipedia: Dialysis
- Google Search: Kidney Disease Advocacy
Author: STAFF HERE DETROITMI WRITER
DETROIT STAFF WRITER The DETROIT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDetroitMI.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Detroit, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Movement Electronic Music Festival, Detroit Grand Prix, and America's Thanksgiving Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Detroit Regional Chamber and Focus HOPE, plus leading businesses in automotive and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Henry Ford Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
