Kidney disease affects Black and African American communities at much higher rates than other ethnic groups, making up just 13% of the U.S. population but 35% of those with kidney failure. This disparity is due to a mix of health risks such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and a genetic variant called APOL1, along with barriers to care rooted in systemic inequities.
We’re working to change that through education, early detection, community screening, and research.
Volunteer Tennessee State University Nursing Students
KNOW THE FACTS ABOUT
CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE (CKD)
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Black people with kidney disease are more likely to develop kidney failure than any other group.
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Blacks and African-Americans make up just 13% of the U.S. population, yet represent 35% of those living with kidney failure.
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As many as 9 in 10 adults with CKD do not know they have it.
Black and African American communities face a much higher risk of kidney failure than other groups.
Although they make up just 13% of the U.S. population, they represent over a third of people living with kidney failure. This disparity is caused by common health issues such as high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and a gene variant known as APOL1.
But it’s not just about health; it's also about access. Ongoing barriers like limited healthcare, fewer resources, and systemic racism make it even harder to stay healthy.
That’s why we are taking action through community education, free screenings, and research.
Embark Chicago
Drs. Jaime Blaylock and April Kennedy
Advance kidney health through awareness, early detection, and research.
INCREASE KIDNEY DISEASE AWARENESS
We're raising awareness about kidney disease through community outreach and education. By partnering with local organizations, churches, health centers, colleges, and universities, we will:
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Host educational events and health fairs.
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Develop and distribute educational materials on kidney disease and its risk factors.
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Use social media and local media to spread awareness.
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PROVIDE SCREENINGS FOR KIDNEY DISEASE
(Join us at an event!)
Screening can save lives. Early detection of kidney disease, particularly proteinuric kidney disease, can slow disease progression and prevent complications. EMBARK provides free urine dipstick tests and conducts genetic testing for high-risk variants such as APOL1 at our screening events. If you're identified as high-risk, we will connect you with medical professionals for further evaluation.
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PARTICIPATE IN RESEARCH
FOR KIDNEY DISEASE
The EMBARK initiative is contributing to a national registry that focuses on understanding the genetic factors of kidney disease in Black/African American communities. You can enroll in the registry if you've been identified as having proteinuric kidney disease or are at high genetic risk. Your participation will support groundbreaking research and help others in your community.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
JOIN US FOR OUR NEXT
FREE KIDNEY AWARENESS EVENT!
We at EMBARK AWARENESS are excited to invite you to our upcoming Kidney Awareness Events! These events are designed to help you better understand your kidney health and to promote awareness in our community. Come alone or bring your family and friends for an informative and beneficial experience. We look forward to seeing you there!
SCROLL DOWN TO SEE OUR CURRENT SCHEDULE!
2025 Upcoming Events
OUR EMBARK JOURNEY
AWARENESS EVENTS
TO DATE
83
Event Volunteers
512
Individuals Screened
159
APOL-1 Genetic Tests Given
10
Events
1. Fill out the Intake Form
2. We’ll check your blood pressure
3. Provide a urine sample for testing*
4. Receive a FREE consultation
with our on-site Kidney Doctor
to discuss your results
*If your urine test shows
elevated protein levels,
you may provide a saliva sample
to test for the APOL1 gene.
SCREENING IS EASY!
PARTNERS
The EMBARK Awareness Partners brings together community leaders, healthcare providers, and researchers to tackle kidney disease disparities in Black/African American communities. By combining education, screenings, and research, we strive to improve health outcomes and empower individuals to take control of their kidney health.
SUPPORTERS
We are deeply grateful for the generous support of our EMBARK Awareness Supporters — who help make our mission possible. Through their commitment to health equity, education, and community engagement, these organizations help us to reach more lives.
Together, we’re building healthier communities, one conversation at a time.
