Minorities face increased risk of developing the conditionHighlights• Minorities–especially African Americans, Hispanics, Pacific Islanders, and Native Americans–face a disproportionately increased risk for developing kidney disease.• The American Society of Nephrology, Dialysis Patient Citizens, and the National Urban League are hosting a Kidney Health Disparities Congressional Briefing this week.
Washington, DC (April 19 event) — Minorities face a disproportionately increased risk for developing kidney disease, which currently affects more than 26 million Americans. Millions more are in jeopardy of developing it. In recognition of National Minority Health month, the American Society of Nephrology, Dialysis Patient Citizens, and the National Urban League, are hosting a Kidney Health Disparities Congressional Briefing. Understanding and acknowledging that health disparities exist is a first step towards reducing these gaps and ultimately eliminating them.
The event will highlight aspects of research and clinical care that relate to minorities with kidney disease, while raising awareness about the condition and other important minority health concerns.
• African Americans with kidney disease are nearly four times more likely to progress to kidney failure than Caucasians, and six times more likely to develop kidney failure related to hypertension. • Hispanics and Native Americans are approximately two times more likely to progress to kidney failure than Caucasians. • Nearly 70,000 patients are on the waiting list for kidney transplants, with African Americans alone comprising 35% of those patients. Minorities are more likely spend more time on the waiting list. • Medical research and patient education improve prevention and treatment of kidney disease for minority populations.
The event will be held in the Capitol Visitors Center North Congressional Meeting room on Thursday, April 19, from 1:30PM to 3:00PM. Lunch and refreshments will be served.
Speakers include:
Kafui Agbemenu, MPH, MSN, RNHealth AdvocateUrban League of Greater Pittsburgh
Eric EdwardsBoard of DirectorsDialysis Patient Citizens
Cristina M. Arce, MDDivision of NephrologyStanford University
Neil R. Powe, MD, MPH, MBA, FASNChief of Medicine, San Francisco General HospitalConstance B. Wofsy Distinguished ProfessorUniversity of California San Francisco
Dana Atwater, MBAAccount ExecutiveBaxter Healthcare
To RSVP, please contact Dialysis Patient Citizens at [email protected] or 202-789-6931.
Founded in 1966, and with more than 13,500 members, the American Society of Nephrology (ASN) leads the fight against kidney disease by educating health professionals, sharing new knowledge, advancing research, and advocating the highest quality care for patients.
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