Deal. Accept. Live.

Underserved Communities

Underserved Communities Program

Underserved Communities & Communities of Color Program Description
Underserved communities and communities of color are disproportionately affected by kidney disease and its leading causes. African Americans and Latinos are 4 times more likely to develop a renal diagnosis and 9 times less likely to catch the disease in its early stages. Asian Americans and Native Americans are also negatively impacted and at an increased risk due to the increased rate of obesity, hypertension, and diabetes; the leading causes of kidney disease.

Two thirds of the United States population is affected by at least one of the leading causes of kidney disease. 133 million Americans are considered overweight or obese. 54 million Americans are predisposed to developing type-two diabetes, and millions of Americans suffer from hypertension. These statistics lead us to our current situation. 27 million Americans have CKD (Chronic Kidney Disease) with another 21 million Americans walking around unaware of the fact that they have this disease. Underserved communities are being adversely impacted and disproportionately affected by a disease which when caught early enough can be successfully treated and the progression halted. The future of medicine will be focused on education, prevention, access, and awareness with an emphasis being placed on health care information and its delivery system within these specified communities. Through our underserved communities program the Shad Ireland Foundation and its partners are positioned to deliver this information in a way that unites educates and inspires.