The need for organ and tissue transplants and the shortage of donors affects people of all races, cultures and ethnic backgrounds. However, certain minority groups are more widely affected by the diseases that can cause the need for an organ transplant. Because these diseases are more common among minorities, they are more likely to need dialysis treatments - or kidney transplants. In fact, nearly half of the people on the national waiting list for organs are minorities. By contrast, only about 25% of donors are minorities.

Did you know?

African-Americans are 17 times more likely than Caucasians to develop high blood pressure, or hypertension, which can lead to end-stage kidney disease.

Diabetes, a leading cause of kidney failure in the US, is estimated to be four to six times more common in Latinos/ Hispanic-Americans.

African-Americans are four times more likely than Caucasians to be on dialysis because of kidney failure, which must often be treated by kidney transplantation.

African-Americans make up 30% of the country's dialysis patients despite accounting for only 13% of the population.

Nationally, minorities account for 42% of the patients on the transplant waiting list. African-Americans represent over half of those waiting for a kidney transplant and Latinos/Hispanic-Americans make up almost 10%.

One person of any creed, race or ethic origin can donate organs and tissue that can benefit over 50 people.

If you have an interest in helping to raise awareness about critical donation and transplantation issues among African Americans, please contact Carolina Donor Services at 1-800-200-2672 or info@carolinadonorservices.org.

Links
Donate Life America – www.donatelife.net
Done Vida - www.donevida.org