Program runs from October 2021 through March 2022
The Flint Area (MI)Chapter of the Links, Incorporated, recently received a grant from the Central Area of the Links, Incorporated to launch the Black Kidney Awareness Resource Education (K.A.R.E.) initiative in Flint and its surrounding communities. The Initiative will support the Links’ efforts to educate urban communities about Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).
“Blacks are 12 times more likely to develop CKD because of the high incidences of diabetes and hypertension in urban communities,” said Flint Area (MI) Links Incorporated Chapter President Shirley Johnson.
“The Black K.A.R.E Initiative will educate the Black community about risk factors and complications of kidney disease as well as improve health outcomes for those who currently have kidney disease, “ Johnson added.
The Links will partner with Hamilton Community Health Network and the National Kidney Foundation to provide health screenings throughout the county during the program year, which concludes in March 2022. Community members can visit https://www.flintarealinksinc.org/to access helpful, downloadable information about the disease and view an online learning series. Additionally, information about upcoming Black K.A.R.E. -related virtual and in-person events will be listed on the organization’s Facebook page @flintarealinks including an Ask the Doctor series with Dr. Brenda Rogers Grays, Black K.A.R.E Chair.
“Kidney disease has been prevalent in the Black community, “said Dr. Brenda Rogers Grays, Chair of our local Black K.A.R.E. initiative for The Flint Area (MI)Chapter of the Links, Incorporated.
“We are proud to build bridges with other community and state resources to create a comprehensive education initiative to make a meaningful difference in our community,” Grays added.
Other organizations collaborating with The Flint Area (MI)Chapter of the Links, Incorporated to support the Black K.A.R.E. Initiative include Sylvester Broome Empowerment Village and the International Association of Black Professional Firefighters.
