ORGAN and TISSUE DONATION

As of March 31, 2004, there were 84,206 people on the waiting list for organ donation, of which 47 percent are minorities.

Nearly 23,000 African Americans are on waiting lists for organ transplants-accounting for 27 percent of all organ transplant wait listed patients. African Americans comprised 36 percent of the waiting lists for kidney transplants. African Americans are almost four times as likely to have end-stage renal disease than Whites, but they are less likely to be evaluated and placed on waiting lists for kidney transplants in a timely manner. Once on the list, they also tend to wait longer for a transplant.

More than 4,000 Asians are on waiting lists for organ transplants. In kidney, liver and lung transplant the median waiting time for AAPIs is more than 50 percent longer than for Whites, except for kidney/pancreas transplants, which is only 21 percent longer. However, in all categories, despite lower transplant rates and longer wait periods, AAPIs show a slightly higher survival rate than Whites.

Nearly 13,000 Hispanics are on waiting lists for organ transplants-accounting for 25 percent of all organ transplant wait listed patients. The waiting period for all transplants is 26 to 58 percent longer for Hispanics than for Whites. With the exception of liver, kidney and pancreas, Hispanics have lower rates of surviving transplants.

There are no statistics for the American Indian and Alaska Native population.

Throughout this Web site, we include statistics like these to indicate some of the reasons why Americans should be concerned with the health gap. The most important message we can present is that it does not have to be this way. Individuals and families can take many steps to improve their health and the health of their loved ones, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has many resources that can help. Some of the best resources we have or know about are listed here.

Searchable Web Sites

Donate Life
This site describes HHS Secretary Tommy Thompson's donation initiative, with information on why and how to become a donor and answers to frequently asked questions.

National Minority Organ and Tissue Transplant Education Program
The program is the first of its kind in the country designed to educate minority communities on the facts about organ and tissue transplantation. Aimed at increasing minority participation in organ/tissue transplant endeavors, MOTTEP seeks to encourage individuals to sign organ donor cards, increase family discussions related to organ and tissue donation and increase the number of minorities who donate organs and tissues.

Selected Publications

Organ and Tissue Donation Brochure
This brochure provides a detailed overview of the organ and tissue donation process.

FAQs about Organ and Tissue Donation
This fact sheet addresses minority concerns regarding organ donation.

Facts and Figures
This fact sheet discusses how minority are affected by organ donation, what specific types of donations minorities usually need, the diseases that lead to needing organ donation and how to keep fit and active to prevent these diseases.

Prevention Tips - Take Care of Yourself
National MOTTEP addresses the diseases and behaviors that lead to the need for transplantation, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, alcohol and substance abuse, poor nutrition and lack of exercise.