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 make up 21.6 percent of North Carolina's overall population, but represent nearly 52 percent of North Carolinians waiting for an organ transplant.

• Of the more than 1,600 African-Americans waiting for transplants in North Carolina, 59 percent are waiting for a kidney transplant.

• 41.7 percent of African-American waiting for a transplant are between the ages of 50 and 64, and 32.6 percent are between the ages of 35 and 49.

• 17 percent of all patients awaiting organ transplants in the United States are of Latino heritage.

• The majority of Latino patients are waiting for kidney transplants.

• 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.

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 minorities, 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