National Kidney Foundation Statement on Derek Chauvin Verdict

All quotes for attribution to National Kidney Foundation - April 21, 2021

“The verdict announced in the Derek Chauvin trial is an important step towards addressing the widespread social injustices which continue to permeate the Black community in our country, but it alone cannot address systemic racism. While it is our sincere hope that the verdict will provide some solace to the Floyd family, which has suffered immeasurable loss, it is also our hope that this verdict begins a national recognition of the pain that social injustice creates for all communities of color. The verdict also moves us closer as a nation towards championing justice and accountability as well as creating a society where all people feel a sense of security and fairness in our justice system.

The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) will use its platform to lend a voice to our Black and Brown communities who have been historically marginalized. We are committed to fighting for the fair treatment and equity of all communities and will use our influences and resources to bring about needed change in healthcare disparities. Our commitment is ongoing, steadfast and unyielding in helping to create a more inclusive society.

Kidney Disease Facts

In the United States, 37 million adults are estimated to have chronic kidney disease—and approximately 90 percent don’t know they have it. 1 in 3 adults in the U.S. are at risk for chronic 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. Blacks or African Americans are almost 4 times more likely than White Americans to have kidney failure. Hispanics are 1.3 times more likely than non-Hispanics to have kidney failure.

The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) is the largest, most comprehensive, and longstanding patient-centric organization dedicated to the awareness, prevention, and treatment of kidney disease in the U.S. For more information about NKF, visit www.kidney.org.