Ending Disparities in Chronic Kidney Disease in Illinois Leadership Summit Set For June

CHICAGO - PrZen -- The National Kidney Foundation of Illinois will hold a hybrid summit on June 27^th from 9:00 to 11:00 AM CDT launching a new roadmap to improve kidney health in Illinois.  This roadmap is the culmination of a learning and action effort with more than 30 key healthcare and public health stakeholders from across the state.

Kidney disease is a significant public health problem that is underrecognized and underdiagnosed. If left undiagnosed until kidney failure, it results in suffering, poor quality of life, and is a significant economic burden (chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end stage renal disease (ESRD) account for nearly 25% of the Medicare budget).  An estimated 1.1 million adults in Illinois have kidney disease, and 90% are not aware that their kidneys are impaired even though kidney disease is easily diagnosed with two inexpensive tests and is a primary predictor of cardiovascular mortality. There are also early interventions that can slow progression of the disease as well as improve health outcomes and reduce health care costs.  While anyone with diabetes or hypertension is at risk for developing kidney disease, communities of color are disproportionately impacted by this disease.

The Ending Disparities in Chronic Kidney Disease in Illinois initiative is engaging many leaders and change-makers throughout the state to identify and implement successful strategies to improve the diagnosis and management of CKD in primary care settings, especially in communities where the burden of kidney disease is felt most acutely.

"The 2023 Ending Disparities in Chronic Kidney Disease in Illinois Summit is being convened for the purpose of educating, empowering, and working side-by-side with communities of color. We will strive to help patients reduce barriers and improve their lifestyles for the betterment of their kidney disease, through increased awareness and intervention. Our goal for this summit, along with the EPIC RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CHANGE suggested by our four amazing workgroups, is to develop a comprehensive roadmap that concentrates on early detection, treatment, and factors that can contribute to chronic kidney disease," said Dr. Phyllis P. Hayes, Co-Chair of the 2023 Summit, and Assistance Vice Chancellor for External Engagement at UI Health.

Dr. Hayes continued, "It is our belief that collectively, not only can we improve early diagnosis, management, and obstacles to advance our research with the infusion of technology (via telemedicine); but we also understand that heightened patient educational opportunities can improve overall patient health."

"Equity and accessibility are the cornerstones of proactive kidney disease awareness and intervention in the communities most affected. As the Vice President of Programs at the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, I understand that healthcare impacts every business and individual. As the Chamber works alongside diverse companies and organizations, we are fostering partnerships, driving impact-driven programming, and promoting understanding of health equity, access to resources, and community awareness to create deeper recognition of this important issue and work toward a collective solution. Together, we can create a future where no community is left behind in the fight against kidney disease," said Emily Cooper, Co-Chair of the 2023 Summit, and Vice President of Programs at the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce.

For more information or to register for the event, please contact Amanda Grandinetti at agrandinetti@nkfi.org (630.901.9136). For more information about kidney disease, visit nkfi.org

About Kidney Disease

In the United States, 37 million adults in the U.S. are estimated to have kidney disease, also known as chronic kidney disease (CKD)—and approximately 90 percent don't know they have it.  1 in 3 American adults are at risk for kidney disease.  Many social, environmental, and behavioral factors, like limited access to good education, available employment opportunities, or healthy food choices, increase the risk for developing kidney disease.  People with diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, and family members with CKD are at elevated risk for CKD.  People who identify as American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian American, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, or Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander are disproportionately affected by the social determinants that contribute to kidney disease. As a result, Blacks/African American people are more than 4 times likely than Whites to have kidney failure.  Hispanics/Latinos are 1.3 times more likely than non-Hispanics to have kidney failure.

About the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois

The National Kidney Foundation of Illinois (NKFI) improves the health and well-being of people at risk for or affected by kidney disease through prevention, education and empowerment. The NKFI is a lifeline for all people affected by kidney disease. As pioneers of scientific research and innovation, the NKFI focuses on the whole patient through the lens of kidney health. Relentless in its work, the Foundation improves lives through action, education and accelerating change. For more information about NKFI, visit nkfi.org