Did you know that more than 80,000 men , women and children are waiting for a life-saving transplant and 35 percent of all patients waiting for a kidney transplant are African-American? For minorities, the shortage in organ donation is particularly significant. Some diseases of the kidney, heart, lung, pancreas and liver are found more frequently in racial and ethnic minority populations than in the general population. For example, African-Americans and other minorities are three times more likely to suffer from end-stage renal disease than caucasians. Some of these diseases are best treated through transplantation.

Transplant success rates increase when organs are matched between members of the same ethnic and racial group. For example, a patient is less likely to reject a kidney if it is donated by an individual who is genetically similar. Generally , people are genetically more similar to people of their own ethnicity or race than to people of other races. Consequently, a lack of organs donated by minorities can contribute to longer waiting periods for transplantation.

There is a lot of confusion in the African American community about organ donation. The California Transplant Donor Network is here to help you.
  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.

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.
    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 is it important to protect your health.

• 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.
   
• Enjoy 5 servings of fruits and vegetables every day.
   
• Participate in at least 30 minutes of physical activity (walk, swim, run, play with your kids) each day.

Ladies on a Mission (PDF)
Giving and Receiving (PDF)
Let Us Help Save Your Life (PDF)