Get the Facts
There is a lot of confusion among minorities about organ and tissue donation. But for something as important as saving lives, only the facts count.
- Fact: Anyone can be a potential donor regardless of age, race, or medical history.
- Fact: Most religions support organ and tissue donation and see it as the final act of love and generosity toward others.
- Fact: If you are sick or injured and admitted to the hospital, the number one priority is to save your life. Organ and tissue donation can only be considered after you are deceased and after your family has been consulted.
- Fact: When you are on the waiting list for an organ, what really counts is the severity of your illness, time spent waiting, blood type, and other important medical information.
- Fact: An open casket funeral is possible for organ and tissue donors. Through the entire donation process the body is treated with care, respect and dignity.
- Fact: There is no cost to the donor or their family for organ or tissue donation.
Did You Know?
- On July 31, 2005, there were 25,904 registrations on the U. S. transplant waiting list were candidate ethnicity was African American, compared to 6,598 on December 31, 1991, a 293% increase.
- On July 31, 2005, there were 23,154 registrations on the U.S. kidney waiting list, where candidate ethnicity was African American, more than 34% of all who are awaiting a kidney.
- In 2004, there were 979 African American deceased donors and 942 living donors.
- In 2004, 4,857 transplants where receipient ethnicity was African American.
- In 2004, 1,583 African Americans died awaiting an organ transplant.
Healthy Living
African Americans are at high risk for many illnesses like high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease that can lead to the need for an organ transplant. That's why it is so important to protect your health and prevent the future need for a transplant.
- Have your blood pressure checked at least twice a year.
- Limit foods high in salt, cholesterol and saturated fats such as fried foods that can clog the arteries.
- Visit your doctor at least once a year.
- Be sure to be tested for diabetes and other illnesses that can lead to organ failure.