WASHINGTON—Minorities face a disproportionately increased risk for developing kidney disease, which currently affects more than 26 million Americans. Millions more are in jeopardy of developing it.

In recognition of National Minority Health month, the American Society of Nephrology, Dialysis Patient Citizens, and the National Urban League, are hosting a Kidney Health Disparities Congressional Briefing.

Understanding and acknowledging that health disparities exist is a first step towards reducing these gaps and ultimately eliminating them.

The event will highlight aspects of research and clinical care that relate to minorities with kidney disease, while raising awareness about the condition and other important minority health concerns.

• African Americans with kidney disease are nearly four times more likely to progress to kidney failure than Caucasians, and six times more likely to develop kidney failure related to hypertension.
• Hispanics and Native Americans are approximately two times more likely to progress to kidney failure than Caucasians.
• Nearly 70,000 patients are on the waiting list for kidney transplants, with African Americans alone comprising 35 percent of those patients. Minorities are more likely spend more time on the waiting list.
• Medical research and patient education improve prevention and treatment of kidney disease for minority populations.

The event will be held in the Capitol Visitors Center North Congressional Meeting room on Thursday, April 19, from 1:30p.m. to 3 p.m.. Lunch and refreshments will be served.

Speakers include:

Kafui Agbemenu, MPH, MSN, RN
Health Advocate
Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh

Eric Edwards
Board of Directors
Dialysis Patient Citizens

Cristina M. Arce, MD
Division of Nephrology
Stanford University

Neil R. Powe, MD, MPH, MBA, FASN
Chief of Medicine, San Francisco General Hospital
Constance B. Wofsy Distinguished Professor
University of California San Francisco

Dana Atwater, MBA
Account Executive
Baxter Healthcare

To RSVP, please contact Dialysis Patient Citizens at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 202-789-6931.

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