The NKF Joins Forces with Powerhouse Hispanic Celebrities and Influencers to Promote Kidney Health Awareness
KIDNEY EQUITY FOR ALL™ Takes Center Stage as Organization Highlights Work to Combat Disparities
(May 8, 2024, New York, NY) — The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) is rolling out several informative celebrity Public Service Announcements (PSAs) that aim to address the alarming statistics that one in three Latino adults are at risk of developing kidney disease. The videos emphasize the importance of early detection and prevention and also encourage viewers to learn more about living kidney donation at kidney.org/transplantation.
Health disparities continue to plague historically underserved populations and impact the kidney patient’s journey. KIDNEY EQUITY FOR ALL™ is a patient-focused, community-minded movement dedicated to ensuring ALL kidney patients have access to high-quality, patient-centered kidney care from the moment of diagnosis to transplantation.
Kidney Risk Quiz: NKF's Kidney Risk Quiz at MinuteForYourKidneys.org has empowered over 400,000 Hispanic and Black/African American individuals to understand their risk of kidney disease, with over 700,000 people of diverse backgrounds participating. By taking a few minutes to complete the quiz, individuals can safeguard their kidney health and potentially save their lives.
Through this collaboration with the NKF, powerhouse Latino leaders are empowering communities by lending their voices and influence in PSA videos promoting kidney equity and health. Together, these international figures amplify the foundation’s message of kidney health awareness, which in turn is disseminated across various media platforms, reaching millions of viewers and inspiring action towards healthier lifestyles.
Among the esteemed collaborators are:
- Raúl "El Gordo" de Molina: Beloved co-host of Univision's entertainment news show "El Gordo y la Flaca." With multiple Emmy Awards to his name, de Molina's charismatic presence and extensive experience in television make him a household name among Hispanic audiences.
- Maria Marín: Prominent motivator, businesswoman, and author, celebrated as one of the most influential women in the Hispanic community. Over the past two decades, she has earned a reputation as the leading Hispanic motivator, inspiring audiences with her passion, joy, and perseverance.
- Carolina Sandoval: Venezuelan influencer and businesswoman who has worked as a television presenter, journalist, TV announcer, and actress.
- Dr. Daniel Campos: Originally from Cuba, he embodies the “American Dream”, dedicating his career to healthcare and aesthetics in Florida. A respected figure in Miami's medical and aesthetic community, Dr. Campos is also an author and entrepreneur, having penned books on anti-aging and beauty, and founding "Ageless Forever by Dr. Daniel Campos," offering a range of medical-grade skincare products.
- Lourdes Stephen: Co-anchor of the acclaimed news magazine Telemundo's "Al Rojo Vivo." Stephen brings her extensive experience and journalistic integrity to the forefront, emphasizing the importance of authentic storytelling and professionalism.
- Stephanie Himonidis (Chiquibaby): Anchor of Univision’s ¡Siéntese quien pueda!, Himonidis is a powerhouse in the entertainment industry.
- Eliecer Marte: Award-winning journalist and news reporter for WPIX11.
- Carolina Mestrovic: Chilean singer, actress and television presenter.
"We are honored to partner with these respected celebrities and influencers to promote kidney health awareness in the Hispanic community," said NKF President Dr. Sylvia Rosas. "Their support is instrumental in reaching diverse communities, raising awareness, and fostering meaningful conversations about the importance of kidney disease prevention and early detection."
For more information about the NKF's initiatives, please visit www.kidney.org.
About Kidney Disease
In the United States, more than 37 million adults are estimated to have kidney disease, also known as chronic kidney disease (CKD)—and approximately 90 percent don’t know they have it. About 1 in 3 adults in the U.S. are at risk for kidney disease. Risk factors for kidney disease include: diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, and family history. People of Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian American, or Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander descent are at increased risk for developing the disease. Black or African American people are about four times as likely as White people to have kidney failure. Hispanics experience kidney failure at about double the rate of White people.
About KIDNEY EQUITY FOR ALL™
Historically, access to kidney health has remained inequitable, with persistent disparities disproportionately affecting underserved populations and impacting the entire kidney patient journey. To address these disparities, NKF is urging industry and community leaders to join them on their KIDNEY EQUITY FOR ALL™ mission by allocating resources to improve healthcare access and outcomes in communities of color. This is a tangible opportunity for businesses to incorporate Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles into their operations. For more information on KIDNEY EQUITY FOR ALL™, visit www.kidneyequityforall.org.
About the National Kidney Foundation
The National Kidney Foundation is revolutionizing the fight to save lives by eliminating preventable kidney disease, accelerating innovation for the dignity of the patient experience, and dismantling structural inequities in kidney care, dialysis, and transplantation. For more information about kidney disease, please visit www.kidney.org/
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