KHC Health Equity Grant recipients: Using education as a powerful tool in the fight against kidney disease

On Oct. 30, 2024, AKF was pleased to launch its second year of the Kidney Health Coach (KHC) Health Equity Grant program to help 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 second year of the KHC Health Equity Grant program, AKF awarded 19 coaches and four organizations with grants. Here is an overview of how these four community organizations used their grants for projects that informed community members about kidney disease.

Alpha Chapter, Inc. of Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc. 

Alpha Chapter, Inc., the charter chapter of Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Incorporated® was founded in 1932 in Washington, D.C. Guided by its motto, "Service for Humanity," the chapter, which is based in the nation's capital, is dedicated to helping develop healthy communities through advocacy, collaboration, education, leadership, research and service. 

"Through engaging presentations, hands-on activities and real-life stories, our goal is to break down barriers to understanding the importance of kidney health," said Joan Smith, a nurse practitioner with a doctorate in nursing practice and the education committee chair for the Alpha Chapter, Inc. of Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc. "We believe that education is a powerful tool in the fight against kidney disease, especially in underserved communities. The support from the American Kidney Fund has been instrumental in helping us bring this vision to life, and their resources have greatly enhanced our events."

Jackson State University 

Jackson State University is a historically Black university focused on educational excellence and empowerment within the African American community. The university is dedicated to providing high-quality education, fostering research and community service, promoting social justice and advancing underserved communities. 

As part of that overall mission, Jackson State's Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation runs a program to teach fourth graders in the Mississippi Delta about nutrition and kidney health. "This program is not just about imparting knowledge; it's about nurturing a healthier future," said Brieah Hudson, who has a doctorate in public health and is the program's undergraduate coordinator. "Understanding the importance of nutrition can empower these young minds to make better choices, fostering lifelong habits that support their overall well-being. The American Kidney Fund has been instrumental in our success, providing resources and support that have allowed us to create engaging, impactful programs. Together, we are planting the seeds for healthier communities, one lesson at a time."

Lambda Chi Chapter, Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Incorporated®
 

The Lambda Chi Chapter of Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc® was established in 1965 as a professional organization for registered nurses and student nurses. The chapter has programs focused on health promotions, disease prevention, leadership development, mentoring, recruitment, retention and scholarship. Lambda Chi serves the community through health fairs and other venues, providing education that promotes a healthy lifestyle. 

"The Lambda Chi Chapter is dedicated to service for humanity," said Nikeyia Davis, a nurse practitioner and the recording secretary for the Lambda Chi Chapter. "Currently, our kidney education has been presented at several faith-based organizations. It gives us great pleasure to contribute to decreasing disparities within our community, which is why we applied for the KHC grant. We've had several people interested in becoming coaches as well."

Northern Virginia Baptist Association (NVBA) 

The NVBA was organized at the First Baptist Church of Warrenton, Virginia in 1877 with the purpose of promoting the union of churches, encouraging Christian and general education and advancing the cause of Christ consistent with the word of God. A critical branch of the NVBA is its Commission on Health and Wellness (COHW), which promotes the spiritual, physical, mental, environmental, social and financial health of individuals, affiliated churches and their surrounding communities at large, regardless of religious beliefs or affiliations. 

"[The KHC Health Equity Grant] provides us the tools and resources to equip the most vulnerable populations who are at the greatest risk for developing chronic kidney disease with information that can potentially be life-changing and lifesaving," said Sister Coyan Lewis, chair of COHW. "As individuals become Kidney Health Coaches, each one can teach others!"

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.