Who Benefits?

There is equal access to donation. The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) and the nation’s transplant centers manage the waiting list. The list includes each potential recipient’s weight, height, and blood type. Priority depends on many factors including urgency of need, length of time on the waiting list, blood type, and size compatibility. Race,* gender, age, income, and celebrity status are not considered when organs are allocated.

*Note: Even though it is possible for an African-American to match a donor from any racial or ethnic group, the best match will be an African-American.

Organ & Tissue Donation in the African-American Community

South Carolina ranks second in the United States in the need for kidney transplants among African-Americans. Kidney failure is four times more likely to affect African-Americans than Whites. High blood pressure and diabetes (sugar) increase the risk of kidney failure.

Thousands of African-Americans also need other life-saving organs and tissues like hearts, livers, and lungs. Many of them will die while waiting because there is a critical shortage of donors in the United States.

Most people who need transplants must depend on non-related donors to make these gifts. Even though it is possible for an African-American to match a donor from any racial or ethnic group, the best match will be an African-American.