(AURN News) – In observance of National Kidney Month, Black Health Matters and the National Kidney Foundation have united forces to bring the pressing issue of kidney health within the African American community to the forefront. According to the National Kidney Foundation, Black individuals face a staggering fourfold increased risk of developing kidney failure compared to other racial groups. One in three kidney failure patients in the United States is Black.
Nationwide, 33% of adults are susceptible to kidney disease. Diabetes emerges as the primary culprit behind kidney failure, closely followed by high blood pressure, according to the organization.
The data is sobering: more than 42% of Black adults grapple with high blood pressure, a significant contributing factor to kidney dysfunction. There is a critical need for comprehensive outreach initiatives, early detection programs, and culturally sensitive healthcare interventions tailored to the unique needs of the African American community.
We must remember that behind each statistic lies a personal narrative of struggle, resilience, and the unyielding quest for equitable access to quality healthcare. Far too many African Americans in our country are not treated fairly or taken seriously by medical professionals.
Click play to listen to the AURN News report from Jamie Jackson:
