Black K.A.R.E. Initiative

The Greater Wayne County (MI) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated is a recipient of a sub-grant to educate the Metro-Detroit community on Chronic Kidney Disease through The Black K.A.R.E. (Kidney Awareness Resources & Education) Initiative. 

This initiative strives to raise awareness of Chronic Kidney Disease in Black communities, with a focus on its risk factors, complications, treatment--and how to reduce the risk of kidney failure and/or improve outcomes for people living with the condition. 

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a condition in which your kidneys are damaged and can’t do their job. Excess fluid and waste begin to build up in the body. To understand CKD, we must first understand what kidneys do and why they are important.

~~ African Americans have a higher risk of developing kidney disease.

Chronic kidney disease can cause kidney failure.

People with kidney failure need dialysis or a kidney transplant to live.

About 13% of Michigan is African American. But about 35% of people with kidney failure are African American.

CKD is a risk factor for severe COVID-19 and COVID-19 can also affect the health of your kidneys. ~~

*National Kidney Foundation of Michigan