Baxter launches kidney disease initiative in Black communities

DEERFIELD - Baxter International Inc. announced a new partnership to bring awareness and resources to the disproportionate challenges affecting Black Americans related to kidney health.

the partnership is with the Central Area of The Links Inc., an international nonprofit made up of 16,000 women of color.

Through the partnership, Baxter, a medical products company, is committing $600,000 to fund grants to local Links chapters in the organization's 17-state central U.S. region over a nine-month period. Local chapters will engage with area health care professionals, faith-based organizations, civic leaders and other influential community members to develop programs and interventions focused on the prevention, detection and management of chronic kidney disease, the company said.

Black Americans have some of the highest incidence rates of diabetes and high blood pressure - the two leading causes of kidney disease.

"The Links has a proven track record of building trust and awareness for health issues in the communities they serve," said Guillermo Amezcua, area vice president of Baxter's U.S. renal business.