On Saturday, June 22nd, 2019, the National Kidney Foundation of Florida participated in the Inaugural First Coast Health Disparities Summit at UF Health Jacksonville. During this event, the NKFF performed a free kidney health check to all of the event participants. The purpose of this event was to promote kidney health awareness and identify those at risk for kidney disease.
Participants were assessed for their risk of developing kidney disease, given free educational materials and had the opportunity to speak with healthcare professionals regarding their risk assessment results. The process consisted of a urinalysis to determine Albumin-Creatine Ratio which allows the healthcare professional to determine if the patient has any protein in their urine, a sign of potential kidney damage.
The event was organized by the First Coast Black Nurses Association and also included the American Cancer and Heart Associations. Notably, kidney disease is the 9th leading cause of death in the United States and African Americans with kidney disease are more likely to develop kidney failure than any other group.
Major risk factors of kidney disease include diabetes, high blood pressure, a family history of kidney failure and being age 60 or older. In America, 1 in 3 adults are at risk for kidney disease. Since this silent killer presents no symptoms, testing is important and early detection and treatment can slow or prevent the progression of kidney disease. The National Kidney Foundation of Florida urges everyone to KEEP healthy and be evaluated by your doctor if you’re at risk.
A special thanks to the First Coast Black Nurses Association, UF Health Jacksonville staff, volunteers, participants and to all who helped make this a successful health promotion initiative.
Further information on prevention and treatment of kidney disease is available at kidneyfl.org or you may call 407-894-7325.
