Communities of color
Addressing the need
People of all ages, races and ethnic backgrounds can donate their organs and tissues.
Although organs are not matched according to race or ethnicity, recipients and donors of the same ethnicity are more likely to match. Even more importantly, studies show that transplants may be more successful when organs are matched between members of the same ethnic and racial group.
Particularly in communities of color, medical and societal distrust create barriers to donation.
Resources for African American families
Since I have received my liver, I have seen my son get married. I was able to return to work as a pediatrician and I can retire now on my own terms. Organ donors save lives.
Thank you, TDS for educating us on donating life during such a hard time. Our experience was awesome from beginning to end, everyone was so supportive and kind to our family. We are so happy Dedric’s organs saved someone’s life! He was such a great, happy, goofy kid who always kept us on our toes!
Kevin Frierson, Sr. gave the generous gift of life through organ donation. His legacy lives on in his family and the lives he saved.
African American Donor Family and Recipient Stories
Black and African American
Black and African Americans make up only 12% of the nation’s population and 17%* of Tennessee’s. Yet, Black patients account for more than 27% of those on the national transplant waiting list and nearly 44% waiting in Tennessee.
Certain types of organ failure occur more often in communities of color, and Black or African Americans are three times more likely to have kidney failure compared to white Americans. Currently, more than 28,000 African Americans are waiting for their lifesaving organ transplant. More than 90% of those patients need a kidney and will wait for an average of five years while on dialysis. More than 1,200 of those patients are in Tennessee alone.
Although the need is critical, medical skepticism and societal distrust of organ donation have created barriers to African Americans registering as donors.
The need for African American organ, eye and tissue donors is critical. Please register today.
*17% of Tennesseans identify as Black or African American alone or in combination with another race (U.S. Census Bureau, 2020).
Resources for Hispanic/Latino/x families
Noah Hernandez, Liver Transplant Recipient, had been born healthy, but at four months was diagnosed with biliary atresia. Thanks to a liver donor six months later, Noah was able to recover and is now in kindergarten.
I have the honor and peace in my heart, that at such a difficult time in my life, God alone, whose immense merciful love for us gave me the strength, faith, and confidence to make the best decision when honoring my daughter’s gesture to give life to other people.
Thanks to 19-year-old donor Bryan Vasquesz, his heart was a perfect match for a grateful recipient who now has the opportunity for a better life.
Hispanic/Latino/x Donor Family and Recipient Stories
Hispanic/Latino/x
Hispanic or Latino people make up nearly 19% of the nation’s population, yet, on the national transplant waiting list, Latinos account for more than 23% of waiting patients. In Tennessee, 4% of those waiting are Hispanic.
Latinos are more likely to suffer from diabetes, heart disease and obesity at disproportionately high rates, putting them at risk for organ failure. Language barriers, mistrust, lack of awareness, concern for immigration status, and limited access to care are barriers to Latinos becoming organ donors.
The need for Hispanic/Latino organ, eye and tissue donors is critical. Please register today.
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