March is designated as National Kidney Month, a time to raise awareness of kidney disease, encourage screening, and promote prevention of what has been referred to as “a silent epidemic.”

Kidneys act as a body’s filter, removing waste from blood, balancing fluids and electrolytes, regulating blood pressure, and supporting red blood cell production. When kidney function is compromised, waste and fluid buildup within the body. Over time, if left untreated, this dysfunction can lead to high blood pressure, anemia, bone weakness, swelling in legs or around the eyes, chronic kidney disease (CKD), or kidney failure.

Often asymptomatic in early stages, CKD affects an estimated 35 million adults in this country, with a disproportionate number of cases in communities of color¹. According to the National Kidney Foundation, Black Americans are almost four times more likely and Latinos 1.3 times more likely to have kidney failure, compared to White Americans². Studies also indicate that Black Americans make up more than 35% of dialysis patients.

These disparities reflect a combination of factors, including higher rates of diabetes and hypertension among people of color, reduced access to early screening and diagnosis, socioeconomic barriers, and structural inequities in healthcare. The importance of early screening cannot be overstated, as timely detection offers the best opportunity to slow disease progression and prevent complications.

Having knowledge of the major risk factors that predispose individuals to kidney disease is vital. These include:

• Diabetes
• Hypertension
• Cardiovascular disease
• Obesity
• Lifestyle factors, such as alcohol and tobacco use or physical inactivity

If you are looking for support with managing risk factors related to CKD, Whittier Street Health Center now offers specialty clinics for diabetes and hypertension management. These clinics provide personalized, coordinated care and health education to empower patients to take charge of their health and mitigate the long-term risks associated with uncontrolled, chronic conditions. If you would like to learn more about these specialty clinics, please reach out to your primary care provider at Whittier.

To further promote awareness and innovation in the treatment of chronic conditions, our Center for Health Equity Research is currently engaged in a clinical research study for patients diagnosed with chronic kidney disease. For more information, please contact Bright Mailosi, Manager of Health Equity Research, at 617-989-3267.

Whittier Street Health Center is committed to closing the gaps in access to healthcare faced by our communities.  By strengthening awareness, expanding access to screening, and addressing the inequities that contribute to kidney disease, we can build a healthier, more equitable present and future for those we serve.

References

1. National Institute of Health. (September 2024). Kidney Disease Statistics for the United States. Retrieved from https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-statistics/kidney-disease.
2. National Kidney Foundation. (n.d.) Health Disparities. Retrieved from https://www.kidney.org/take-action/advocate/legislative-priorities/health-disparities.