…as it relates to kidney health. He uses his own story as an example. Through Kidney Sundays, NKDEP’s national faith-based outreach initiative, Rev. Mason is partnering with the National Coalition of Pastors’ Spouses, the American Diabetes Association, and Chi Eta Phi Nursing Sorority to educate his congregation about kidney disease and the importance of testing.
On March 25, more than 50 African-American faith organizations in 15 markets nationwide will educate parishioners about the key risk factors associated with kidney disease and the importance of testing. As someone who is in need of an organ transplant, Rev. Mason also is educating his congregation about organ donation.
“It’s so important to educate our community about the sense of urgency we need to have about our health,” Rev. Mason said. “Years ago, we wouldn’t think to have a conversation about organ donation. Now, we see more people have a need for it and realize that the church needs to respond in an active way.”
To learn more about Kidney Sundays and order free materials to help make the connection between diabetes, high blood pressure, and kidney disease, visit http://nkdep.nih.gov/kidneysundays/index.htm. For more information about diabetes and obesity, visit http://niddk.nih.gov.