Free Kidney Disease Testing Initiative Advances Health Equity
Centered on awareness, early detection, and closing kidney health gaps for marginalized communities.
The National Kidney Foundation (NKF), a leading voice for kidney health, has joined forces with Healthy.io, the maker of the first FDA-cleared at-home kidney test. Together, they’re taking part in a major national policy event focused on issues that affect African Americans and the global Black community, bringing practical tools to a place where decisions are made.
At its core, the initiative aims to ease the burden of kidney disease in vulnerable communities through hands-on screening and clear, usable education. Attendees will hear straight talk about kidney health and get access to on-site testing—putting detection within reach for people who may be at the highest risk.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) can often be managed—and progression slowed—when it’s found early. Yet mortality has risen in recent years, especially in communities facing long-standing inequities. The disparities are stark: Black Americans are nearly four times more likely than white Americans to develop kidney failure. Awareness and access are the hinge points. Research shows that about 90% of the 35 million Americans living with CKD don’t know they have it, which means many are missing a crucial window for care.
According to Jesse Roach, MD, Senior Vice President of Government Relations for the National Kidney Foundation, the goal at this year's event is clear. "Raising awareness about the critical importance of early kidney disease detection is a key focus for us during the legislative conference. Our initiatives promote kidney health equity and broaden access to crucial early detection methods, leveraging innovative technology to help us reach those most endangered by kidney disease."
On-Site Testing and Educational Initiatives
NKF and Healthy.io will offer free screening to conference attendees using Healthy.io’s Minuteful Kidney™ test kits. The first wave of kits will be handed out during the conference, where the exhibition hall is devoted to kidney disease awareness and education. This approach helps inform policymakers and attendees about CKD while sending them home with practical tools to spark earlier testing and prevention. With a smartphone, participants can complete a test in real time and quickly see insights about their kidney health—right where they are.
Congresswoman Robin Kelly (IL-02) highlighted the urgency of the effort, stating, "Far too often, Black Americans die of chronic kidney disease due to inequities in our healthcare system and lack of awareness. I am immensely grateful to NKF and Healthy.io for providing free screenings at our Annual Legislative Conference. This event goes beyond discussion; we are bringing solutions that will lead to the dismantling of barriers on-site, empowering us all towards healthier communities."
Understanding Kidney Disease
Chronic kidney disease affects an estimated 35 million adults in the United States, and roughly 90% don’t realize they’re living with it. Common risk factors include diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, and a family history of kidney problems. Certain demographic groups—including Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian, and other minority communities—face elevated risk, underscoring the need for targeted outreach and easier access to testing.
Geoff Martin, CEO of Healthy.io, emphasized the necessity of innovation in healthcare. "Kidney disease is a pressing public health crisis, and many individuals are not being tested in crucial stages where the disease can be halted. The burden on Black Americans does not have to be the norm nor the status quo, and our partnership with NKF reflects our commitment to making testing accessible to those who need it most."
About the National Kidney Foundation
The National Kidney Foundation is driving change to prevent kidney disease, improve early detection, and uplift the dignity of patients—while confronting entrenched inequities in kidney care, dialysis, and transplantation. For more information, individuals are encouraged to visit the organization’s official website.
About Healthy.io
Healthy.io transforms smartphone cameras into medical tools for at-home urinalysis, helping healthcare providers reach people who might otherwise go untested. The company’s FDA-cleared Minuteful Kidney™ technology enables patients to test at home and receive rapid, clinical-grade results—removing many of the typical hurdles of lab-based testing—and supports efforts to prevent progression toward dialysis.
Put simply, this initiative meets people where they are, turns a phone into a testing tool, and opens the door to earlier care. One test, one conversation, one clearer next step.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the goal of this free testing initiative?
To make kidney disease detection easier to access while raising awareness, especially in communities that face higher risk and fewer resources. The focus is early identification, education, and practical steps that can narrow long-standing gaps in care.
Who is leading the effort, and what are their roles?
The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) and Healthy.io are partnering. NKF brings advocacy, education, and a focus on health equity, while Healthy.io provides the FDA-cleared Minuteful Kidney™ technology that enables testing outside traditional labs.
What testing is available at the conference, and how does it work?
Conference attendees can receive free Minuteful Kidney™ test kits. Using a smartphone, participants complete an at-home-style urinalysis and get fast, clinical-grade insights into kidney health—making screening both immediate and convenient.
Why is catching kidney disease early so important?
Early detection can change the course of CKD by enabling timely management and slowing progression. With an estimated 90% of the 35 million Americans with CKD unaware of their condition, screening is a critical first step.
Who is most affected by kidney disease, and why is equity emphasized?
Risk is elevated among Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian, and other minority communities. Systemic inequities contribute to later diagnoses and worse outcomes, which is why the initiative emphasizes access, awareness, and earlier testing in these communities.
