The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is collaborating with the National Kidney Foundation at a pivotal summit aimed at tackling disparities in chronic kidney disease within the state.
The Minnesota Ending Disparities in Chronic Kidney Disease Leadership Summit, scheduled as a virtual event on Wednesday, July 24, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., will serve as a platform for the National Kidney Foundation to unveil a comprehensive roadmap. This roadmap includes strategic recommendations to enhance early testing, diagnosis, and management of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in primary care settings throughout Minnesota.
“This roadmap is vital to improving the health of Minnesotans,” stated Ann Zukoski, director of the Center for Health Promotion at MDH and co-chair of the summit. “We know chronic kidney disease affects some Minnesota communities more than others due to structural and social inequities. This summit is a great opportunity to bring together partners to discuss improving care as well as creating community-led solutions that will help to reduce long-standing health disparities.”
Chronic kidney disease represents a progressive loss of kidney function. In its early stages, the disease often manifests with few or no symptoms, leading to underdiagnosis until it reaches advanced stages. An estimated 1 in 7 (approximately 642,000) Minnesota adults have chronic kidney disease, with nearly 90% unaware of their condition.
CKD is commonly associated with Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and other chronic conditions, elevating the risk of heart disease, stroke, and death. Black, Latino, and American Indian communities are disproportionately affected by CKD, reflecting broader health disparities.
“The suffering from those with chronic kidney disease is often emphasized by the profound disparities existing in those at risk or impacted,” noted Penny Wheeler, University of Minnesota regent and past CEO of Allina Health, and summit co-chair. “I am proud to be part of this effort to close the gap for many who have previously been left behind.”
The roadmap’s recommendations stem from contributions by healthcare providers, public health leaders, quality improvement experts, and community members across Minnesota. During the summit, participants will discuss collaborative efforts to implement these recommendations effectively.
Online registration for the Minnesota Ending Disparities in Chronic Kidney Disease Leadership Summit remains open. This initiative forms a key component of MDH’s broader strategy, encapsulated in Minnesota’s Action Plan to Address Cardiovascular Disease, Stroke, and Diabetes 2035 (MN 2035 Plan), released in September 2023.