At this moment, there are 110,461 people on the national waiting list for organ transplants. That number will probably change many more times today; in fact, a new name is added about every 11 minutes. It’s no secret – we have a huge shortage of available organs in the U.S.
This is a particularly big problem for African-Americans, who face increased risks for diabetes and kidney disease. There are 32,343 black patients currently listed for transplants, and 93% of those individuals need a kidney transplant. This group makes up nearly 30% of the national waiting list, but in 2010, only 14% of donors were black.
Transplant success rates dramatically increase when the donor and recipient are members of the same race, so it’s critical to register more African-Americans with their state donor registries.
As we celebrate Black History Month and recognize the wonderful leaders who have changed our society for the better, please take a moment to consider becoming an organ donor.
It’s easy! Visit our Transplant Challenge page to sign up with your state donor registry today.
This is a particularly big problem for African-Americans, who face increased risks for diabetes and kidney disease. There are 32,343 black patients currently listed for transplants, and 93% of those individuals need a kidney transplant. This group makes up nearly 30% of the national waiting list, but in 2010, only 14% of donors were black.
Transplant success rates dramatically increase when the donor and recipient are members of the same race, so it’s critical to register more African-Americans with their state donor registries.
As we celebrate Black History Month and recognize the wonderful leaders who have changed our society for the better, please take a moment to consider becoming an organ donor.
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