Partnering for Prevention: Addressing Chronic Kidney Disease Risk in Agricultural Worker Communities

The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) and the National Center for Farmworker Health (NCFH) are collaborating to broaden the reach and impact of Community Health Workers and Promotores/as (CHW/Ps) supporting migratory and seasonal agricultural workers’ (MSAWs) health and well-being. In 2017, California had an estimated 586,302 MSAWs with 914,421 dependents ⁱ. Obesity, diabetes, and hypertension—the leading risk factors for chronic kidney disease (CKD)—are the most common diagnoses among MSAWs, followed by various mental health conditions ⁱⁱ. This partnership aims to address the unique challenges faced by MSAW families, who are often at higher risk for CKD due to occupational hazards, limited access to healthcare, and other barriers ⁱⁱⁱ. 

The NCFH’s mission is to improve the health of MSAW families and advance the vision of quality healthcare access. The organization provides training and technical assistance, conducts research, and develops resources for nationwide use in support of MSAW health. Through this exciting partnership, NCFH and NKF are combining expertise to enhance CKD prevention, address chronic disease risk factors, and promote a healthier tomorrow for all. 

CHW/Ps are frontline public health workers who provide culturally congruent services. As trusted members of the communities they serve, CHW/Ps are skilled liaisons to health and social services ^iv. The CDC highlights the positive impact of CHW/P-led interventions on chronic disease management, medication adherence, and access to health care services—particularly CKD, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes—in underserved communities ^{v vi}. 

As part of its CKDintercept initiative, NKF is engaging CHW/Ps to increase CKD diagnosis rates and improve quality of patient care. In 2023, NKF developed a CHW kidney health curriculum that provides foundational information on kidney disease and how CHWs can leverage their expertise to connect community members to testing and address social drivers of health.

In collaboration with NCFH, NKF translated its CHW curriculum into Spanish and designed a kidney health resource tailored specifically for MSAWs. In developing this resource, NCFH considered the environmental factors that contribute to kidney health risks in this population, such as heat stress, dehydration, and prolonged exposure to agrochemicals. The resource, which will be available Fall 2025, focuses on the importance of hydration, urine color and associated warning signs of kidney issues, while emphasizing the importance of routine screenings. It aims to support MSAWs in taking proactive steps toward preserving their kidney health. 

This partnership exemplifies how culturally tailored community-based strategies can bridge critical care gaps, improve health outcomes, and demonstrate the power of partnerships to meet the unique needs of diverse communities.