Our First 35 Years

Black K.A.R.E. grant award advances CKD awareness • Black K.A.R.E. (Kidney Awareness, Resources and Education) is a Links, Incorporated Central Area initiative in partnership with Baxter Healthcare Corporation.

The program educates and raises awareness about chronic kidney disease (CKD) in communities of color. Together with multiple community partners, the Western Reserve (OH) Chapter created an initial nine-month program in the 2021-2022 program year, targeting Cleveland’s Central neighborhood, an underserved community. Healthcare professionals from Northeast Ohio’s largest medical facilities participated in chapter-led virtual, in-person, on-demand interactive forums designed to reduce the risk of kidney failure and improve outcomes for people living with the condition. Additionally, all chapter members were required to complete an online Black K.A.R.E. certification learning module to develop them as community influencers in understanding CKD and raising awareness about its prevention and early detection.

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