Minority Statistics

The need for minority donors is increasing. Below are some statistics explaining why minorities need to learn more about organ and tissue donation.  Statistics are according to OPTN.org as of September 2010. For updated information, go to http://www.optn.org

Organ Donation among African Americans in Gift of Life Donor Program's service region

How many are in need?

African Americans represent 37% of people waiting for organ transplants in Gift of Life’s service region, which includes Delaware, the eastern half of Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey.

Of the more than 2,397 African Americans waiting for transplants in the Gift of Life region, 93% are waiting for kidney transplants.

African Americans represent 26% of transplant recipients in Gift of Life’s region.

Who's donating?

In Gift of Life’s region, African Americans represent 13% of deceased donors.

Why is it important for African Americans to donate?

Transplant success rates increase when organs are matched between members of the same ethnic and racial group.
 

 

Organ Donation among Latinos in Gift of Life Donor Program's service region

How many are in need?

Latinos represent 7% of people waiting for organ transplants in Gift of Life's service region, which includes Delaware, the eastern half of Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey.

Of the more than 450 Latinos waiting for transplants in the Gift of Life region, 79% are waiting for kidney transplants.

 

Research from focus groups held in Miami, New York and Chicago in 2001 indicated that the majority of the Spanish speaking Latino community is largely uninformed about the process of donation and transplantation.

The same research study indicated that the information known to the Latino community is generally inaccurate and preserves the many myths and barriers to increasing donation.  Latinos, like many other ethnic groups, have a mistrust of the medical system, specifically the process of transplantation, according to the research study.

Volunteer to share the message in the Multicultural Community

The Multicultural Affairs Committee (MAC) was developed in response to the growing number of minorities awaiting organ transplants in Gift of Life service area. The group serves as a direct link to the multicultural communities by developing culturally sensitive donor education activities and participating in multicultural presentations, health fairs and other health-related events.

Meeting Times:

Multicultural Affairs Committee meets at 6:30 PM at Gift of Life Donor Program, 401 North 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123.

For more information, please call 1-800-DONORS-1 ext. 1172.