CORE Kidney
Clinical Excellence, Outreach, Research, Education (CORE)
Our Mission
CORE Kidney at UCLA Health is a patient advocacy and support program based on our founding principles of Clinical Excellence, Outreach, Research and Education.
Our focus is integrative medicine, with emphasis on prevention and education, so patients can become their own best advocates. We are dedicated to improving kidney healthcare and awareness. Explore our website to learn more about the work we do!
Make an Appointment
For general health questions, check out our "Ask the Experts" page. If you'd like to schedule an appointment to meet a specialist physician, email us below:
Health Fair at Pico Union
March 7, 2026
In honor of Kidney Health Awareness month, CORE Kidney hosted a community event at the Graff Lab at Pico Union. The event featured free health screenings and education resources as well as live music, art, food vendors, and a live mural painting. We were joined by patients, physicians, vendors, and several from the community. The event brought much needed awareness to kidney healthcare, and a great time was had by all.
Thank you to the Graff Lab for joining us in this hosting this fantastic community health fair! We'd also like to recognize artist David Velasquez, known as Big Sleeps, for all of his support within the Pico Union community. He is also battling Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and in urgent search of a kidney donor; read more about his story here:
Monthly Chats
Next Chat: May 1, 2026
On April 1, we had an amazing monthly chat which featured new CORE faculty Dr. Carolyn Kim. Each month Anjay Rastogi, MD, PhD, and the UCLA Health CORE Kidney Team host a highly informative monthly chat. Our previous chats have covered important topics like living with kidney disease, nutrition, and even dentistry advice. We hope you'll join us for our next monthly chat on May 1!
Kidney Disease Awareness Proclamations
March 2026
Santa Monica
Throughout the month of March, we recognize Kidney Disease Awareness month through our Green Ribbon campaign. The Green Ribbon symbolizes support for those affected by kidney disease and serves as a symbol of hope. Last year, we joined the city of Santa Monica to raise awareness by releasing a proclamation acknowledging this special month. This year, Mayor Torosis welcomed us back to renew the proclamation and continue our mission of kidney education. At a city council meeting, Dr. Rastogi shared vital information about kidney healthcare.
Glendale
In 2026, we sought to bring our proclamation to new cities. In Glendale, Mayor Najarian acknowledged kidney health through the approval of our proclamation. Additionally, Bruin Bean Evan Schneider had the opportunity to talk about the availability and importance of kidney health screenings.
Beverly Hills
Our kidney disease awareness month campaign continued in Beverly Hills. We discussed the Green Ribbon with Mayor Nazarian, who also approved the kidney health month proclamation for the city of Beverly Hills. Raising awareness through the Green Ribbon is incredibly helpful in the fight against kidney disease. Prevention and testing are crucial for combatting kidney disease, and learning more about these measures can help reduce risks.
Patient Journeys
The Patient Journeys program shares the inspiring stories of CORE Kidney patients. Explore each patient's unique experience in living with and overcoming kidney disease. We are incredibly grateful to those who have shared their journeys with us.
NEW STORY: David Velasquez "Big Sleeps"
Cookbooks
Diet and nutrition are essential to maintaining a healthy kidney lifestyle. Check out our cookbooks and other nutrition resources to find recipes that are both delicious and kidney-conscious!
Summer Program
This summer, the Bruin Beans Health Club and CORE Kidney will be hosting the Kidney Health Innovation and Leadership Program (KHILP) for high school students. This program will be a fantastic opportunity to learn more about kidney health, hear from experienced medical professionals, and gain research experience. Applications are now available!
Patient Summit
November 1, 2025
Last year, we hosted our first ever Patient Summit. The Patient Summit brought together doctors, patients, caregivers, and pharmaceutical companies for a day full of empowering talks and breakout sessions. The goal of the event was to help foster a community of those impacted by kidney disease. We hope those who came to the event enjoyed it. Please reach out with any feedback!
CORE Kidney Float at the Rose Parade
January 1, 2025
At the beginning of the year, over 800,000 people attended, and millions more watched from across the world as CORE Kidney's 2025 "It's In Your Hands: It Takes 2" Float paraded down the streets of Pasadena during the 2025 Rose Parade. In the previous years of being a part of this parade, the float won the prestigious 2024 Isabella Coleman Award for the most outstanding presentation of color and color harmony through floral design.
Support Our Mission
Donate to CORE Kidney to help us continue our mission of empowering individuals and their families impacted by kidney disease!
