African Americans and Organ Donation

An Important Message
Alonzo Mourning, NBA All-Star, talks about organ donation. Khalieghya
Dandie-Evans
A young girl is given a chance to live. Johnny Brown
Father, police officer, and cornea and tissue donor. Sabrina Smith
Joy in life comes easily to a young recipient with a new kidney and pancreas.

Khalieghya
Dandie-Evans
Emeryville, CA

After receiving a liver, little Khalieghya could run, dance, sing, and play just like the other kids.

Officer Johnny Brown
Inglewood, CA

Staying true to Johnny’s generous spirit, his mother chose to donate his corneas and tissue.

Sabrina Smith
Atoka, TN

“I can’t tell you how wonderful my life has become. An organ donor truly saves lives and gives hope.”

African Americans are the largest group of minorities in need of an organ transplant.

African Americans have higher rates of diabetes and high blood pressure than Caucasians, increasing the risk of organ failure. African Americans comprise 13% of the population, 34% of those waiting for a kidney, and 21% of those waiting for a heart.

Who receives organs? Will I receive the same hospital care if I'm a registered donor? Does my religion allow donation?
> Find answers to these and more questions

Learn about the health conditions that especially affect African Americans . Take better care of your health to help prevent the need for transplantation.

• 21%of all transplant recipients were African American
• 73%of African American transplant recipients received kidneys
• 16%of all deceased donors were African American

• Why Minority Donors Are Needed
• National Minority Donor Awareness Week
• Association for Multicultural Affairs in Transplantation (AMAT)
• National Minority Organ Tissue Transplant Education Program (MOTTEP)
• Organ Donation and:
  • > Asians, and Native Hawaiians
       and Other Pacific Islanders
  • > Hispanics/Latinos
  • > People Over Age 50