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. On a national scale, African Americans make up 13% of the population, 34% of those waiting for a kidney, and 25% of those waiting for a heart. In Colorado alone, it is estimated that 75% of those waiting for kidney transplants are minorities. Certain blood types are more prevalent in ethnic minority populations, making it especially important to consider becoming an organ donor if you belong to an ethnic minority; because matching blood type is usually necessary for transplants. Organs are not matched according to race or ethnicity, but transplant matches made within ethnic groups can be more compatible, which is one of the reasons why it is important for people in minority communities to register their decision to be donors. Severity of illness, time spent waiting, blood/tissue type, size and distance are the factors that determine a person’s place on the organ transplant waiting list.
Source: Organdonor.gov This is a national statistic.
The Donor Alliance data found that currently, minorities comprise nearly 40 percent of all individuals on Colorado transplant waiting lists. In 2012, twenty-five percent of deceased organ donors were minorities, demonstrating a gap between minority donors and those in need of a life-saving transplant. The need for more donors from ethnic minority groups is critical. In 2012, 11,309 minority patients received organ transplants; while there were 2,762 minority deceased donors and 1,711 minority living donors. The wait is long and sadly, 18 people die every day because the transplant they so desperately needed did not come in time.
Our true-life warriors at the “The Wish” film viewing event had to wait for kidneys 4 and 8 years respectively. While having to go for dialysis 2-3 times a week with the side effects of such long wait times. That’s an awfully long time to wait for a life-saving organ if you ask me. Becoming an organ and tissue donor is easier than you think.
Residents can register their decision to be organ, eye and tissue donors at the time of their deaths by saying ‘Yes’ when they obtain or renew a Driver’s License or State ID, or by going to www.DonateLifeColorado.org anytime. When Colorado residents register as organ, eye and tissue donors, their registration remains in effect until they revoke it. For more information, please visit https://www.donoralliance.org/understanding-donation/about-donation/.
After the event, we had a Q&A session and voice of testimony. It was mind-blowing the barriers in our hearts as a community; culturally and individually. We need to create more awareness regarding this matter and keep this conversation going.
Dr. Tolu Oyewumi is a Physician and Epidemiologist. She is also a Certified Coach, Speaker, Teacher, Trainer and a writer, who is a strong advocate for health literacy.