Kidney Foundation of CT Unites with Churches to Reach African-American Masses

Oct. 8, 2008 - PRLog -- Rocky Hill, CT –  The National Kidney Foundation of Connecticut today announced that it is enlisting churches throughout the state to communicate important health warnings to African Americans.

Terri Smith, Urban Outreach Director for the NKF of CT, explained, “The latest statistics in Connecticut show that African Americans have a shockingly higher risk of developing kidney disease versus other groups, and many people don’t know they are at risk. With the assistance of religious leaders in the state and faith-based organizations, we are able to work with trusted voices that will empower people with critical information that impacts their health and well-being.”

Currently, more than 26 million American adults, or 1 in 8 people, have Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and millions more are at risk. Kim Hathaway, CEO of the NKF of CT, said, “In Connecticut, we serve more than 4,000 dialysis patients and 750 residents who are waiting for kidney transplants. Although African Americans represent only 9% of the population in Connecticut, the group makes up 33% of the dialysis patients and 33% of the kidney transplant list.”

According to the National Kidney Foundation, because African-Americans are more likely to develop Diabetes than other groups, and the overall population of people with High Blood Pressure has increased, African Americans are prone to have two of the major factors that lead to the development of kidney disease. If the disease progresses, the only treatment for kidney failure is dialysis and a transplant.

As part of our faith-based outreach, we are now scheduling workshops and working with religious leaders throughout the state to educate as many people in the African American community as we can,” Smith continued. “Any organizations that would invite our participation or desire handout materials for their group, can contact us directly.”
 
The National Kidney Foundation of Connecticut is pleased to discuss workshops, offer information, or forward materials to any organization or religious group that is interested in communicating facts about kidney disease. In addition, NKF of CT encourages anyone who may be at increased risk for developing kidney disease (anyone 18 years and older with high blood pressure, diabetes or a family history of kidney disease) to get tested. Free testing sites take place in convenient places throughout the state. The screening for kidney disease consists of three simple tests, including blood pressure measurement and blood and urine tests that determine kidney function. For more information about the Urban Outreach Program or to find a testing site near you, please call the NKF of CT at 1-800-441-1280 or visit www.kidneyct.org

About NKF of Connecticut
The NKF is the only voluntary health agency dedicated exclusively to the eradication of kidney and urinary tract diseases. Supported entirely by donations from individuals, corporations and foundations, the NKF of Connecticut funds medical research in the fields of nephrology (kidney disease), transplantation and urology, and provides education and support services to patients, transplant recipients and their families and to kidney health professional in Connecticut. With the aid of funds raised statewide through various programs, the NKF helps thousands of people across Connecticut, including more than 4,000 dialysis patients and an estimated 750 residents currently waiting for kidney transplants. The NKF has been given a four star rating from Charity Navigator, the largest charity evaluator in America. For more information, please visit www.kidneyct.org.

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About NKF of Connecticut
The NKF is the only voluntary health agency dedicated exclusively to the eradication of kidney and urinary tract diseases. Supported entirely by donations from individuals, corporations and foundations, the NKF of Connecticut funds medical research in the fields of nephrology (kidney disease), transplantation and urology, and provides education and support services to patients, transplant recipients and their families and to kidney health professional in Connecticut. With the aid of funds raised statewide through various programs, the NKF helps thousands of people across Connecticut, including more than 4,000 dialysis patients and an estimated 750 residents currently waiting for kidney transplants. The NKF has been given a four star rating from Charity Navigator, the largest charity evaluator in America. For more information, please visit www.kidneyct.org.