“America’s Got Talent” judge Sofia Vergara and Oscar-winning actor Octavia Spencer have joined forces for an important project. The two actors are on a mission and working toward a shared goal.
Talking to People, the duo shared why they teamed up with Boehringer Ingelheim, alongside advocacy groups including the American Diabetes Association, for a new public health initiative called Detect the SOS.
Why Octavia Spencer Says Your Body Could Be Sending an ‘SOS’
People reported that the campaign aims to raise awareness among people living with high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes about uACR screening. This simple urine test can identify early signs of kidney damage.
The focus is on early detection and prevention, helping reduce the risk of serious complications such as heart attacks or strokes.
“Your body could be sending out an SOS if your kidneys are malfunctioning and you wanna answer the call,” Spencer told People. “And while that sounds like it’s scary, the way to detect it is easy.”
Inside Their Super Bowl ‘Mission: SOS’ Campaign
The campaign’s message is being delivered to one of the year’s largest audiences.
The “Mission: SOS” ad, featuring Vergara and Spencer, is set to air during the Super Bowl on February 8.
Through the spot, millions of Americans are encouraged to speak with their doctors about kidney health and routine testing.
“We have a mission! We’re gonna save the world now,” Vergara told People. “But no, it’s beautiful because we’re coming together in this empowering public health message that hopefully will reach millions of people in a fun, easy way for people to understand.”
Vergara Opens Up About Helping Her Mother Manage Her Health
GettyFor Vergara, the cause was described as deeply personal. She has previously shared that while she does not have diabetes or high blood pressure herself, her mother has lived with high blood pressure for many years, a journey she called difficult.
“I don’t have diabetes or high blood pressure, but my mom has had high blood pressure for many, many years, and it’s been very hard,” Vergara said.
As her mother aged, managing medications and routine testing became more complicated, requiring greater involvement from the family.
“I have to scream at her, call her, harass her, have my sister call her. It’s a nightmare,” she said in a light-hearted way. “You know how moms are when they get a little bit older. It’s a struggle.”
Spencer later added a lighthearted aside, noting that the same care was being directed her way. “She’s doing that for me, too!” Spencer teased.
Spencer Opens Up About Her Health and a Wake-Up Call
GettySpencer also shared a personal health update, revealing that she has been living with both type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. She explained that managing multiple conditions became more challenging over time and that she had not initially realized the added risk to her kidney health.
“I’ve been managing it, but as I’m aging, it’s getting to feel like whack-a-mole keeping things in order,” she said. “I didn’t even know that because I had those two issues that I was at risk for kidney disease.”
The campaign ultimately prompted her to get screened, a step she described as both intimidating and reassuring.
“I actually got tested and was terrified because I’m a little neurotic,” Spencer said.
“But can I tell you how relieved I was to just go in and ask my doctor? It was easy. He told me my numbers were normal and that relieved me because knowledge is power and we want to empower people.”
A Candid Conversation About Aging and Health
GettyDuring the discussion, both women reflected on aging and shifting priorities around health. Despite the humor, Spencer emphasized that her outlook has evolved with time and experience.
“Listen, I’m gonna make as many jokes about it as possible, but at the end of the day, health is wealth,” she said.
“I am even more aware now than I was as a youngster that there are things that you have to do in maintaining your health.”
She added that staying informed has become central to how she manages her condition.
“Now that I’m a type 2 diabetic, I have to always be aware of my numbers. I wanna know what my numbers are with regard to my kidneys, I wanna know what my numbers are with regard to my blood pressure, I wanna know what my numbers are with regard to my A1C. And the scale numbers… Well, I actually don’t wanna know those numbers,” Spencer jokingly shared.
Vergara echoed the sentiment, noting that greater access to health information has changed how people engage with their care.
Getty“It’s a struggle, but we have to be so thankful because now we have so much information out there,” she said. “It’s pretty exciting to know that you can educate yourself and create the big picture for your health.”
When two celebrated actors come together, the message carries both heart and urgency.
