President Althea Avery's Address on Black K.A.R.E.

For more than fifty years, the Bergen County Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, has stood as a pillar of friendship, service, and transformational impact in our community. Our legacy is built on the unwavering commitment of visionary women who understood that true service is not an act, but a calling. Today, we continue to honor that legacy by addressing the most pressing needs facing our community with compassion, purpose, and excellence.

One of the most urgent challenges before us is the state of Black health in America. Far too many of our loved ones, neighbors, and friends are living with preventable or undiagnosed conditions that threaten their quality of life. Among these, kidney disease stands out as a silent crisis. Black adults in the United States are three times more likely to develop kidney failure than their white counterparts, and many are unaware that they are at risk. This disparity is not just a statistic — it is a call to action.

That is why the Black K.A.R.E. initiative holds such deep meaning for our chapter. Black K.A.R.E. — Kidney Awareness, Resources, and Education — is more than a program. It is a lifeline. It empowers our community with knowledge, encourages early detection, and connects individuals to the resources they need to protect their health and their futures. Through this initiative, we are not only raising awareness; we are saving lives.

I am proud to share that, as part of the national expansion of the partnership between The Links, Incorporated, and VANTIVE US HEALTHCARE LLC International Inc., the Bergen County Chapter has been awarded a $9,000 grant to support our Black K.A.R.E. efforts. This investment strengthens our ability to reach more families, host more screenings, and deliver culturally relevant education that meets people where they are. We are deeply grateful for this partnership and the trust it reflects in our chapter’s work.

As President, I am both honored and energized to lead this initiative. The opportunity to advance health equity, uplift our community, and continue the extraordinary legacy of our chapter is a privilege I do not take lightly. Together — through service, sisterhood, and steadfast commitment — we will continue to make a meaningful difference for generations to come.

Thank you for your support, your partnership, and your belief in the power of The Links, Incorporated. Our work continues, and our impact grows.