AKF's third round of Kidney Health Coach Health Equity Grant awardees are empowering community members to take charge of their kidney health

AKF was pleased to launch its third year of the Kidney Health Coach® (KHC) Health Equity Grant program on June 16, 2025. The program's mission is to expand the reach and impact of KHC by empowering organizations and coaches across the country to reach at-risk communities and spread health messaging in chronic kidney disease (CKD) prevention and management. 

In the third year of the KHC Health Equity Grant program, AKF awarded 18 coaches and eight organizations with grants. Here is an overview of how these eight community organizations are using their grants for projects that inform community members about kidney disease.

Asociación Puertorriqueña de Diabetes 

The Asociación Puertorriqueña de Diabetes was founded in 1988 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. With over 35 years of continuous service, the Association has developed numerous health education programs and initiatives, including health fairs, healthy cooking classes, educational forums and virtual services. 

"The Asociación Puertorriqueña de Diabetes is a non-profit dedicated to empowering individuals and communities through education, prevention and support for those living with diabetes," said Adia Aponte Marrero, MPHE, CHES, communication and health education services coordinator.  "In Puerto Rico, where diabetes is a leading cause of chronic kidney disease, our mission is vital. Motivated by the urgent need for awareness and prevention, we applied for the KHC grant to deliver culturally relevant kidney health education to high-risk populations. With the support of the American Kidney Fund, we have strengthened our outreach, built community capacity, and ensured that more people have access to the tools they need to protect their kidney health and improve their quality of life."

Association of Black Social Workers 

The Association of Black Social Workers (ABSW) New York City chapter in Harlem, New York was founded in 1967 as the first chapter of the National Association of Black Social Workers. The chapter was launched as a response to growing dissatisfaction with the exclusionary and inequitable policies of larger mainstream organizations. 

With the health equity grant, the chapter plans to:

• Implement AKF's community health education model in Harlem to help older adults prevent and manage CKD through interactive workshops.
• Host a health fair at the ABSW Senior Center offering screenings, wellness resources and expert guidance.
• Train volunteers as KHCs to support education and outreach efforts.

Chicanos Por La Causa Inc

Chicanos Por La Causa (CPLC) in Phoenix, Arizona is a non-profit that was founded in 1969 to advocate for educational equity and civil rights for people of Hispanic/Latino origin. Since its founding, CPLC has expanded its service region beyond Arizona and into Nevada, Texas, New Mexico, California and Colorado. Its services are categorized into five areas of impact: health and human services, education, economic development and advocacy. 

With the health equity grant, the chapter plans to: 

• Conduct virtual and in-person sessions to increase kidney health awareness, promote testing and encourage simple lifestyle changes.
• Adapt and implement the KHC program for group sessions.
• Host in-person sessions in Tucson and Phoenix.
• Participate in community health events to provide information about kidney disease to older adults.

Community Engagement and Consultation Group Inc 

Community Engagement and Consultation Group (Ce-Cg) in Beltsville, Maryland is a non-profit organization that was founded in 2017 to bridge gaps and create workable solutions toward health equity. The core mission of the organization is to support public health initiatives and exercise preventative measures through education and community engagement. 

"Community Engagement & Consultation Group Inc. is a community-centered initiative focused on raising awareness, promoting prevention and encouraging early management of chronic kidney disease in diverse populations," said Dr. Anita Mwalui, the founder and CEO of the organization. "Our motivation for applying for the KHC grant comes from the urgent need to build capacity within Limited English Proficiency communities to address kidney disease at its root. With this grant, we can expand culturally tailored kidney health education programs in underserved neighborhoods, leveraging the organization's capabilities in seven different languages. We also can develop sustainable pathways for ongoing kidney health promotion in collaboration with community partners and create a trusted support system for individuals at risk of CKD, caregivers and those managing its progression."

Fundación Puertorriqueña del Riñón

Founded in 1971, the Fundación Puertorriqueña del Riñón (Puerto Rican Kidney Foundation) in San Juan, Puerto Rico is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting kidney health and supporting those affected by kidney disease in Puerto Rico. Its mission focuses on raising awareness of CKD, improving early detection and advocating for preventive measures. 

"For the Puerto Rican Kidney Foundation, receiving the Kidney Health Coach grant has been a great opportunity to advance our mission of reducing the incidence and progression of CKD in high-risk populations," said Ana Laboy, MPH, executive director of the foundation. "We applied for the KHC grant because of its strong emphasis on CKD prevention in at-risk communities, an approach that is both necessary and highly relevant for Puerto Rico. With this support, we have been able to expand our reach, provide culturally relevant education and empower individuals to take proactive steps to protect their kidney health and improve their quality of life. AKF has provided us with training, valuable educational resources and financial support, which has enabled us to engage vulnerable populations and bring kidney health education to diverse community settings such as churches, senior centers and other gathering spaces."

Greenville Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated 

The Greenville Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated in Greenville, South Carolina is a historical Black Greek-letter organization founded on the principle of achievement.  The Greenville Alumni chapter has been awarded and recognized nationally for the work they have done within their community, along with collaborations leveraged to get important information out. 

"One of our objectives is 'to inspire service in the public interest,'" said Antonio Martez, director of community relations and vice chairman of health and wellness for the fraternity. "As an organization that highlights health and wellness, when the opportunity arose to become a kidney coach and to educate the community we serve, it was a no-brainer. With the assistance and support of AKF, we had access to resources to help amplify our efforts and aid us in reaching a broader audience. Several of our chapter brothers became certified [as coaches] and shared the message with their network as well." 

Jackson State University 

Jackson State University was founded in 1877 and is a historically Black university in Jackson, Mississippi. The school's department of health, physical education and recreation is dedicated to promoting health literacy and wellness among diverse populations. It offers comprehensive programs that prepare students to address public health challenges through education and community engagement. The department emphasizes research, advocacy and practical experience, fostering commitment to improving health outcomes.

"At Jackson State University, we launched our Kidney Health Education & Screening initiative to empower our community with the knowledge and tools needed to prevent and manage kidney disease," said Brieah Hudson, who has a doctorate in public health and is the program's undergraduate coordinator. "Mississippi has some of the highest rates of kidney disease in the nation, and we recognized the urgent need for culturally relevant education and early screening opportunities. The KHC grant allowed us to strengthen our outreach within local schools, touching teachers, students and parents. As community health workers, we were able to provide resources directly to those most at risk. The support of the American Kidney Fund has been instrumental in not only expanding our program's reach but also ensuring that kidney health becomes a sustained priority in the communities we serve."

New Life Community Alliance

For over 23 years, New Life Community Alliance (NCLA) in South Dekalb, Georgia has been dedicated to restoring dignity and building opportunities for neighbors in need. The organization helps feed, clothe and house people, as well as connect them to career support, education and other opportunities. 

"New Life Community Alliance's Health Services Program is a cornerstone of our holistic approach to community care," said Brandi Whitney, health program services coordinator for NCLA. "For over four years, we've led community-facing kidney health initiatives — from educational forums and monthly virtual support groups to on-site CKD screening, because we believe that prevention and early intervention save lives. We applied for the Kidney Health Coach grant to strengthen our outreach and equip trusted community members with the tools to educate and empower others. Being an American Kidney Fund grantee has amplified our impact, allowing us to expand our reach and deepen our work through the kidney coaches. Together, we're building healthier futures, one conversation and one community at a time."

For more information on the Kidney Health Coach program, click here. 

Click here to hear from Kidney Health Coaches on how they reach and educate communities affected by kidney disease.