South Suburban Chicago (IL) Chapter of The Links, Inc. win a $20,000

South Suburban Chicago (IL) Chapter of The Links, Inc. win a $20,000

The South Suburban Chicago Chapter of The Links, Inc., was awarded $20,000 in funding from the Central Area of The Links, Inc., to participate in the Black K.A.R.E. project.

K.A.R.E. stands for Kidney Awareness Resources and Education. The purpose of this nine month project is to raise awareness
about kidney disease in the Black Community because Black Americans have some of the highest incidence rates of diabetes and high blood pressure – the two leading causes of kidney disease.

Black adults in the United States are at increased risk of developing at rates far exceeding those for white adults and are four times more likely to develop kidney failure than their white counterparts. Despite these staggering statistics, many Americans are unaware they have kidney disease.

The South Suburban Chicago Chapter of The Links, Inc., has partnered with The National Kidney Foundation of Illinois,
South Suburban College and Mayor Thaddeus Jones to host 2 KidneyMobile screenings at South Suburban College and the Calumet City Library.

“We are so happy to be participating in this important project because results from these screenings are startling, about 70% of attendees has results that put them at risk for kidney failure and 1 attendee received news that he was actually in stage 3 kidney disease and was referred to the emergency room and was admitted,” Said Mallory Sutton, chapter president.

People who were screened have been invited to participate in a 12-week program geared towards improving key health outcomes to increase overall health and reduce risk of kidney disease. This program “Linking Because We KARE” will include education, exercise classes, cooking demos, accountability
touchpoints and incentives. Participants will use the Powered By Action app to receive all information and stay connected to the group. Anyone interested in joining the group should email blackkaressc@gmail.com.

The South Suburban Chicago (IL) Chapter of Links, Incorporated was chartered on June 6, 1976 by distinguished women who wanted to make a difference within their community. The women of the South Suburban Chicago Chapter of Links, Inc. celebrate more
than 40 years of service with over 50 active members, supporting Alumni, Connecting Links and Heir-o-Links. The chapter also boasts the honor of having as its member, former Fourteenth
National President of Links, Incorporated, Dr. Gwendolyn B. Lee.

The Links, Incorporated is an international organization consisting of nearly 16,000 professional women of color committed to Leadership,
Friendship and Service. Our 288 chapters located in 41 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of the Bahamas and the United Kingdom, have a mission of service, contributing more than 1 million documented hours of community service annually.

The Central Area of The Links, Incorporated is comprised of 70 chapters in 17 states with more than 3,500 influential
women who work as volunteers toward a common vision by engaging organizations and individuals in partnership. Members contribute more than 54,000 documented hours of community service annually, strengthening their communities and enhancing the region.

Founded in 1946, the organization has made its name synonymous with effective programming through our five facets: Services to Youth, National Trends and Services, International Trends and Services, Health and Human Services and The Arts. It is through
our programs that we have impacted the lives of countless men, women, and children all over the world.

The National Kidney Foundation of Illinois improves the health and well-being of people at risk for or affected by kidney disease through prevention, education and empowerment. Their one-of-a-kind KidneyMobile, events take place all across the state of Illinois.
A typical screening allows participants to receive a battery of free, comprehensive medical tests, and the opportunity to review his/her screening results with a trained medical professional on-site.

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