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MINORITY OUTREACH
The need for organ and tissue donation grows more crucial each day. Minority
communities are especially affected. Over 107,000 Americans are on the national
waiting list for a life-saving organ transplant. Statistics indicate that approximately
54% of those waiting are minorities. Due to a high incidence of kidney and heart
disease, caused by high blood pressure, diabetes, genetics and lifestyle choices,
African Americans and Hispanic/Latinos are disproportionately represented on the
transplant waiting list. Unfortunately, the multicultural population waits nearly
twice as long for their life-saving organ transplant due to the lack of minority donors.
Although not always a determining factor, there are indications that there are less suitability
complications if both donor and recipient are from the same ethnic group or race. Kentucky
Organ Donor Affiliates is committed to raising awareness of this public health crisis through
participating in outreach efforts throughout the service area. The need is great for ALL
donations, as 18 people die each day waiting for a transplant. In the minority community, it
is crucial that individual understand their ability to help each other through donation.
For more information, or to participate in the KODA Minority Outreach Committee to
create awareness in African American or Hispanic/Latino Communities, please
contact Amber McGuire, Minority Education Coordinator at 800.525.3456 or email
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