National Kidney Health Awareness Month brings local urgency to Indianapolis’ Black communities 

March is National Kidney Health Awareness Month, a nationwide campaign to spotlight kidney disease, its risks and the importance of early detection. For Black residents in Indianapolis — who face disproportionate health burdens related to chronic kidney disease (CKD)  — local advocates are emphasizing culturally relevant outreach and education alongside national initiatives and real patient voices.  

What kidney disease means across the U.S. 

Kidney disease is often called a “silent” illness because early stages can have no symptoms. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, more than 35.5 million adults in the U.S. have CKD and as many as nine in 10 people with the disease don’t know they have it until it has progressed.  

The data also shows racial disparities in kidney health: Black people are more than four times as likely as white people to develop end-stage kidney disease and, while Black individuals make up about 14 % of the U.S. population, they account for roughly 30% of all end-stage kidney disease cases.  

These national statistics illustrate why local health advocates in Indianapolis are focused on culturally targeted education, screening, and prevention. 

Local advocates raise awareness and screening access 

Across Indianapolis, the National Kidney Foundation of Indiana (NKFI) is mobilizing free kidney health screenings, educational events, and lifestyle support throughout March for National Kidney Month. Screenings include blood pressure checks, glucose tests, urine assessments and one-on-one consultations with medical professionals.  

The NKFI notes that about one in three Americans — 33% — are at risk for kidney disease, meaning proactive conversations with a health care provider and regular testing are important steps in early detection.  

Local health workers say these screening events help remove barriers and bring preventive care directly into the community. For many Indianapolis residents, understanding risk factors like high blood pressure and diabetes can be lifechanging. 

Voices from those with lived kidney disease experience 

Real-life experiences help put faces and voices to what the numbers represent. 

Longtime kidney disease advocate Anthony E. Tuggle, a kidney transplant recipient and patient leader, has shared his journey publicly to educate communities about the realities of CKD. In past interviews he has emphasized the importance of self-advocacy in health care — speaking with doctors, understanding treatment options and making informed decisions about lifestyle and care — as critical steps for those living with kidney disease or at high risk.  

In addition, national kidney health panels have included voices like Jummy Olabanji, co-anchor and donor advocate, and Brian Kennedy, music artist and founder of “Hits To Healing,” who have discussed how cultural awareness, patient empowerment and community education can support Black individuals in navigating kidney health needs.  

Families and friends of people with kidney disease also share how the condition changes everyday life. For example, patients who have undergone dialysis or transplants often cite support networks and proactive coping strategies as essential alongside clinical care — underscoring that kidney disease impacts more than just physical health. 

Connecting broader disparities with local challenges 

National kidney advocacy groups emphasize that CKD disparities among Black Americans are rooted in a mix of medical, social, and structural factors. Roslyn Young-Daniels, President and founder of Black Health Matters, describes chronic kidney disease as “a silent epidemic in our community,” stressing the need for targeted outreach and health equity action.  

Organized efforts like the Black Health Matters and National Kidney Foundation partnership highlight national movements toward equity. Their joint work stresses that Black Americans are not only four times more likely to develop kidney failure but make up more than one-third of all kidney failure patients in the U.S.  

These national realities make local efforts in Indianapolis particularly important, especially considering that high blood pressure and diabetes — two major contributors to CKD — have higher prevalence among Black Hoosiers than other populations in Marion County. Local health data have shown Black residents experience these risk factors at greater rates, reinforcing the importance of community-based screening and prevention. 

What residents can do now 

Health professionals stress that early detection is essential to slowing or preventing the progression of kidney disease. Simple screenings, including blood pressure checks and urine protein tests, can identify early signs and help people take steps before kidneys fail.  

Residents with diabetes, high blood pressure, family histories of kidney failure or those unsure of their kidney health are encouraged to participate in these screenings and talk with their doctors about regular kidney testing. 

Looking beyond March 

While National Kidney Health Awareness Month focuses attention  on March, organizers say the work continues year-round. Indianapolis community leaders partner with health systems, faith groups and neighborhood organizations to ensure that kidney health stays on residents’ radars. 

“The data clearly show that kidney disease doesn’t affect all communities equally,” says Dr. Kirk Campbell, President of the National Kidney Foundation, in remarks tied to national awareness efforts. “Our goal is to raise awareness, encourage early detection, promote healthy lifestyle choices and start a conversation to improve the lives of those living with or at risk of CKD.”  

For Black residents of Indianapolis — who are statistically more likely to face CKD and its complications — these awareness efforts, anchored in personal stories, local access and national advocacy, aim to transform understanding into action. 

For details on screening dates, locations and resources in Indianapolis, visit the National Kidney Foundation of Indiana online at kidneyindiana.org. 

This reporting is made possible by a grant from the Indianapolis African-American Quality of Life Initiative, empowering our community with essential health insights. https://iaaqli.org/ 

Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth. 

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