WASHINGTON, D.C. – Kidney Care Partners (KCP), the nation’s leading coalition of patient advocates, health care professionals, and providers, is proud to support the third annual APOL1-Mediated Kidney Disease (AMKD) Awareness Day, led by the American Kidney Fund (AKF).

In a unified effort to address health disparities, KCP is highlighting its collaboration with The Kidney Collective, founded by LaVarne Burton, and the tireless advocacy of NBA legend Alonzo Mourning. Together, these leaders are amplifying AKF’s critical call to action, urging individuals in at-risk communities to understand the genetic risks associated with kidney failure.

AMKD is a rapidly progressive form of kidney disease caused by having two APOL1 genetic risk variants. People of West or Central African ancestry are at greater risk of developing this type of kidney disease, which can advance to kidney failure at a faster rate than other types of kidney diseases. 

“We are honored to stand alongside champions like Alonzo Mourning and LaVarne Burton, whose work through The Kidney Collective has been instrumental in bringing AMKD to the forefront of the national kidney health conversation,” said Colin Roskey, Executive Director of Kidney Care Partners. “We support the American Kidney Fund’s call to action and efforts to provide every at-risk individual the resources to protect their health.”

Through partnership and community driven collaboration, KCP and AKF aim to expand education, awareness, and access to trusted kidney health resources.

Learn more about AMKD here, and read AKF’s press release here. Supporters may download the AMKD Awareness Day Community Toolkit provided by AKF, which includes resources to share on social media, within a workplace or community organizations, and more.