Northwest kidney centers' (NKC) mission is to promote the optimal health, quality of life and independence of people with kidney disease through patient care, education and research. Northwest kidney centers is a not-for-profit, locally managed provider of kidney dialysis, public health education and research into the causes and treatments of chronic kidney disease. Founded in seattle in 1962, it was the world's first dialysis organization. Among the eighth largest dialysis providers in the country, it is an influential model because of its high-quality services, DEEP community connections and generous donor support.