Dialysis, Kidney Disease, and Awareness Among Black Communities

Kidney disease is one of the most under-discussed health crises facing Black Americans today. According to the National Kidney Foundation, Black/African Americans are almost four times more likely to have kidney failure than white Americans, despite making up only about 13.5% of the U.S. population.

The disparity is driven largely by higher rates of diabetes, high blood pressure, and unequal access to preventive care, conditions that disproportionately affect Black communities nationwide. National Kidney Foundation

At Flanner House, this issue is personal. One of our own team members is currently living with kidney disease and searching for a living donor. His story puts a face to the numbers and offers a window into what awareness and action can look like.

“For more than five years, I have been living with kidney disease. My kidneys have now deteriorated to the point where they can no longer keep me alive on their own. Without a transplant, my future is dialysis, a treatment that takes several hours every day just to sustain my body. Dialysis keeps me alive, but it doesn’t let me live.”

Living donation remains one of the most direct ways someone can save a life, whether for a loved one or a stranger. Potential donors can begin the process by speaking with their doctor or contacting a local transplant center to learn about screening and eligibility.

If you or someone you love is managing kidney disease, or if you're considering learning more about becoming a donor, Flanner House encourages you to reach out. Every conversation is a step toward a healthier community.

Submitted by: Flanner House Fund Development Team