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National Minority Health Month celebrates the inclusion of Asian and Pacific Islander, Black, Hispanic, Native American, and other communities of color in the conversation about health education and disease detection, disparities, and treatments. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects 1 in 7 adults in the U.S., however, for people of color, a combination of systemic racism, lack of inclusion in medical advancements, and other uncontrollable risk factors contribute to even higher CKD rates.
CKD in Communities of Color
If you are Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, Asian American, Pacific Islander, American Indian, or Alaska Native, or Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, heritage you may be at an increased risk for kidney disease.
Minority populations are also at higher rates of high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and heart disease — all of these factors increase the risk for kidney disease.
Did You Know?
- Asian Americans and Native Hawaiians are the most understudied racial group in CKD research.
- Black Americans represent 13% of the population, but account for 32% of CKD patients.
- Hispanic Americans are 1.3 times more likely to develop kidney disease, and CKD rates have risen 70% since 2000.
Our Health Equity Initiative
With the inequities in kidney health in mind, NephCure launched a Health Equity Initiative in 2021 to address racial disparities in rare kidney diseases. NephCure acknowledges the voices of these communities, and we are excited to continue the work of addressing health disparities for all multicultural communities by featuring culturally relevant health education and resources, partnering with community-based organizations, and advocating for diverse and just medical research.
