Credit: Getty Images via Capital B 

This innovation could revolutionize kidney care of Black patientsThis spring, the transplant of a genetically modified pig kidney into a 62-year-old Black man in Massachusetts marked a significant medical milestone, raising hopes of alleviating organ donation shortages and addressing health disparities within kidney transplants. However, Richard "Rick" Slayman, who had high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes, died two months after the procedure. The hospital stated there was “no indication” that his death resulted from the transplant. 

Still, the use of genetically modified pig kidneys for transplants is being heralded as a significant step forward in expanding the number of organs available to kidney patients on waitlists that can take up to five years. 

Margo Snipe of Capital B reports that Black Americans face a higher risk of kidney disease and are disproportionately overrepresented among dialysis patients. Despite comprising 14% of the U.S. population, they make up over 35% of dialysis patients. For Black patients with kidney failure, organ transplants are an ideal treatment, but barriers and shortages can limit access.

There's also an ongoing debate within the medical community about kidney care related to Black patients and the use of eGFR measurements to determine kidney function. eGFR gives healthcare providers a formula indicating the state of a patient's kidney health. However, as this story from Capital B explains, these algorithms set a higher standard for Black patients, which can have devastating, life-threatening consequences.

Dr. Naomi Nkinsi, a family medicine residency physician in Washington state, shares that with this calculation, “We actually have to be sicker to be diagnosed with the same illness as others."

Read more here →

Credit: California Department of Public Health

Calif. launches campaign to raise awareness about Alzheimer's diseaseMany older Californians are succumbing to Alzheimer's disease, which has been identified by the state's health department as the third leading cause of death. An estimated 720,000 individuals currently live with the disease and that number is expected to double by 2040. In response to this escalating public health crisis, the California Department of Public Health has initiated a statewide campaign called “Take on Alzheimer’s.” This campaign comprises a series of expert-led, community-driven events throughout the state aimed at enhancing education and raising awareness about Alzheimer's disease, as well as reducing its stigma. 

Dr. María P. Aranda, a professor at the University of Southern California (USC) specializing in social work, gerontology, and neurology, recently spoke on a panel about involving Black and Latino communities in discussions about Alzheimer’s and dementia — two demographics that the Alzheimer's Association has identified will experience a higher prevalence of the condition than white people. 

Black Voice News also spoke with Dr. Soo Borson, a clinical professor of Family Medicine at Keck Medicine of the University of Southern California, who touched on the role systemic racism plays in the detection and diagnosis of dementia disorders on BlPOC people.

“People of color in California, and elsewhere, especially those with lower access to high quality health care, are diagnosed with dementia in later stages,” she said.Black Voice News has more on the initiative here →

Credit: Luz MediaThe way Latinos talk about mental health needs to changeMental health is part of overall health, and everyone faces challenges at some point. A 2023 study found that half of the world's population will develop a mental health disorder in their lifetime. For instance, in the Latino community, stigma still persists. In the U.S., nearly 22% of Latinos reported mental illness in 2021, and about 17.7% experience depression during their lives. Yet, talking about these experiences openly isn't common. Many in the community view mental health challenges as a sign of weakness or personal failure and thus feel ashamed to talk about them. What holds people back even further is their fear of being labeled as "crazy."

Luz Media argues that it's crucial to break the silence and change how people in the Latino community talk about mental health. Words like “unbalanced,” “unstable,” and even “lazy” perpetuate these stigmas and keep people from seeking help. Therapy isn't just for "crazy" people; it's a helpful resource for dealing with trauma, tough situations and improving our mental and emotional health.

Read more about the need for more inclusive and respectful language and other barriers affecting Latino mental health in this piece from Luz Media →

Highlighting the innovators transforming health outcomes in our communities

Psychiatrist Dr. Kali Cyrus says you don't have to be part of the LGBTQ+ community to care about Pride Month. In fact, with more than 7% of Americans identifying as LGBTQ+, it's likely you have a handful of people in your life, including family members, friends, neighbors, and co-workers, who identify as LGBTQ+ → 

Credit: Dr. Cyrus via Epicenter-NYC