Delaware Chronic Disease Coalition

In the United States, renal disease does not affect everyone the same. Minority populations historically have higher rates of underlying causes that increase the risk for developing kidney disease such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity. Other factors- such as access to affordable healthcare and racial discrimination in housing, education, food, and employment- also play a role in these disparities.

African Americans

African Americans are more at risk for kidney failure than any other race in the United States. On average, more than 1 in 3 kidney failure patients living in the United States are African American. Similarly, African Americans with diabetes develop kidney failure more often than whites with kidney failure.

Hispanics

Diabetes is the primary cause of kidney failure in patients, accounting for nearly 40% of all cases. Unfortunately, Hispanics are significantly more likely to be diagnoses with diabetes than whites, and it is estimated that 1 in 8 Hispanics has the disease.

Native Americans

Similarly to the Hispanic population, Native Americans are nearly twice as likely to develop kidney failure, and also twice as likely to die from diabetes than white individuals. Some experts attribute this to the fact that 1 in 3 adult Native Americans have high blood pressure, and another 1 in 3 are uninsured.

Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders

Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders tend to get diabetes significantly less than other racial and ethnic groups. Despite this, there are specific populations at higher risk of developing diabetes and renal disease. Native Hawaiians and Filipinos in Hawaii die from diabetes 6 times and 3 times more than whites, respectively.

Additional Resources on Race/Ethnicity in Renal Disease

• https://www.kidneyfund.org/all-about-kidneys/risk-factors/raceethnicity-kidney-disease-riskfactors#:~:text=African%20Americans%20are%20more%20at,failure%20in%20the%20United%20States.
• https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/minorities-KD
• https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/whats-behind-racial-disparities-in-kidney-disease-2021020321842
• https://publichealth.jhu.edu/2020/the-racial-inequities-of-kidney-disease

If you are experiencing or witnessing someone experiencing a stroke, every second matters. The faster a stroke patient receives treatment, the greater the chances of no or minimal disability or death. (American Stroke Association)

The following information is taken directly from the CDC:

Signs and Symptoms of Stroke

• Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body.
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or difficulty understanding speech.
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or lack of coordination.
• Sudden severe headache with no known cause.

If you are witnessing someone with stroke symptoms, act F.A.S.T by acting the potential stroke victim the following questions:

F: Face – Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?

A: Arms – Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

S: Speech – Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is the speech slurred or strange?

T: Time – If you see any of these signs, call 9-1-1 right away.

Note the time when any symptoms first appear. This information helps health care providers determine the best treatment.

Do not drive to the hospital or let someone else drive you. Call 9-1-1 for an ambulance so that medical personnel can begin life-saving treatment on the way to the emergency room.