NEW YORK, Feb. 29, 2024 ~ As March approaches, the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) is preparing to observe National Kidney Month and World Kidney Day, both dedicated to raising awareness about kidney health and chronic kidney disease (CKD). This month holds particular significance for the NKF as they advocate for KIDNEY EQUITY FOR ALL™.

The NKF is a patient-focused and community-minded organization that aims to ensure all kidney patients have access to high-quality, patient-centered care from the moment of diagnosis to transplantation. This is especially important as health disparities continue to affect underserved populations and impact the journey of kidney patients.

According to NKF President Sylvia Rosas, MD, Black and Hispanic populations bear the greatest burden of kidney disease and have the highest rates of mortality. Despite this, they often face inequities in kidney care, including evaluation and obtaining a transplant. Dr. Rosas emphasizes the need for health leaders to prioritize actions that promote equity in kidney care.

To mark National Kidney Month and World Kidney Day, NKF is highlighting several ways they are working towards promoting kidney equity. One such initiative is their Kidney Risk Quiz at MinuteForYourKidneys.org, which has empowered over 400,000 Black/African American and Hispanic individuals to understand their risk of kidney disease. By taking just a few minutes to complete the quiz, individuals can potentially save lives and safeguard their own kidney health.

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Another significant step towards achieving equity in kidney care is the proposed removal of race from the Kidney Disease Risk Index (KDRI). This formula estimates the risk of kidney failure after a recipient receives a donated kidney. Currently, kidneys donated by African Americans are miscalculated as having poorer organ function than those from White donors. Thanks to NKF's advocacy efforts, the government has proposed removing race as a qualifier from this index. Once implemented, this policy will increase the number of kidneys available for transplant.

NKF has also been working towards assuring equitable access to transplant for all patients. Under the previous race-inclusive equation used to calculate estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), Black and African American patients were often denied access to the transplant waitlist because their kidney function was overestimated. NKF's efforts led the Organ Procurement Transplant Network (OPTN) to require all transplant hospitals in the US to use a new race-free equation. As a result, transplant programs have reexamined their waiting lists and modified wait times for adult and pediatric Black or African American candidates affected by the previous race-inclusive eGFR calculations.

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In addition, NKF has partnered with insurers, healthcare providers, and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) to implement targeted screening programs for high-risk populations through initiatives like the CKDIntercept program. The success of these programs has prompted further investment and expansion.

Through their CKDIntercept program, NKF has also partnered with insurers, providers, and FQHCs for a targeted pilot program aimed at some of the highest-risk patient populations. In just one city (St. Louis), NKF's work led to about 5,000 Healthy.io test kits being distributed. The outcomes of this program are so promising that NKF was awarded an additional grant to replicate it in other FQHCs.

Kevin Longino, NKF CEO and transplant recipient, emphasizes their commitment to creating a community where there is KIDNEY EQUITY FOR ALL™. He states that NKF is leading the way in ensuring all Americans have access to high-quality kidney care from diagnosis to dialysis care, transplantation, and beyond.

For more information about National Kidney Month and NKF's initiatives towards achieving kidney equity for all patients, please visit www.kidney.org.

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