Minority Health Issues
Possibly because of misunderstandings about the organ allocation procedure and/or the strict medical guidelines governing donation, minorities often do not consider donating organs, tissues, or eyes. This causes a tragic shortage of kidneys for minority recipients. While with other organs, size is the most important factor in "matching" the organ with the recipient, genetics are the critical factor with kidney transplants. African-Americans will "match" better with a kidney donated by an African-American, as will Asians to Asians, etc. African-Americans have a high incidence of kidney problems because they have a higher risk of hypertension (high blood pressure) that often causes kidney damage and failure. Many African-Americans die awaiting kidneys.
For more information about minority health issues contact the Indiana Minority Health Coalition.
