ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - An effort this Sunday aims to raise awareness of kidney disease in the local African-American community.

Dr. Griffin Rodgers, the director of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, says this Sunday will be “Kidney Sunday” in three local churches: Greater New Hope Baptist Church, Prince of Peace Church and St. Paul’s Missionary Baptist Church.

“This Kidney Sunday will provide a tool kit in which faith leaders will be able to talk about kidney disease risk factors, as well as the importance of kidney function testing,” he said.

It is estimated that one in six African-Americans in Missouri has signs of kidney disease. Rodgers says if you have diabetes or high blood pressure, or a family member has kidney disease, talk to your doctor about getting some special blood tests done.