Empowering Your Journey Toward Kidney Health
Early Measures in Black and African-American Communities to Raise Kidney Disease Awareness
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.
OUR EMBARK JOURNEY
AWARENESS EVENTS TO DATE
112
601
228
11
Event Volunteers
Individuals Screened
APOL-1 Genetic Tests Given
Events
MORE THAN 30 LOCATIONS
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!
Screening is easy!
Step 1:
Fill out intake form
Step 2:
We'll check your blood pressure
Step 3:
Provide a urine sample for testing*
Step 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.
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:
Host educational events and health fairs.
Develop and distribute educational materials on kidney disease and its risk factors.
Use social media and local media to spread awareness.
Provide Screenings for Kidney Disease
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.
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.
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.
