Organ donation is the only hope for thousands of people who suffer from organ failure. According to the Coalition on Donation, there are more than 86,000 men, women and children that are waiting for a life-saving transplant. Approximately 35 percent of all patients waiting for a kidney transplant are African American. On top of that, every 13 minutes, another name is added to the waiting list. Even more disturbing is the fact that an average of 17 people die each day because there are not enough organ donors.

For minorities, the shortage in organ donation is particularly significant. Startling statistics show that two of the leading causes of kidney failure - high blood pressure and diabetes - affect African Americans at a higher rate than European Americans. It’s primarily because of these health issues why African Americans make up a great deal of kidney dialysis patients in the United States.

Additional resources:
Full press release