Some diseases that contribute to the need for transplantation are found more frequently in racial and ethnic minority populations than in the general population. For example, African Americans, Asian, Pacific Islanders and Hispanics are three times more likely than Caucasians to have end stage renal disease. Native Americans are four times more likely than Caucasians to have diabetes. Some of these diseases are best treated through transplantation while others can only be treated through transplantation.

Successful transplantation is often enhanced by the matching of organs between members of the same ethnic and racial group. For example, an African American patient is often less likely to reject a kidney if it is donated by an individual who is genetically similar. Generally, people are genetically more similar to people of their race and ethnicity than to people of other races. A shortage of organs donated by minorities can contribute to death and long waiting times for minorities seeking a transplant.

Organs and tissues that can be donated include: heart, kidneys, lungs, pancreas, liver, intestines, corneas, skin, tendons, bone and heart valves.

Since there is no national registry, even though you have indicated your wishes on your driver's license or a donor card, be sure to tell your family member of your decision. They will be consulted before a decision can be made.

You do not have to be related to donate organs or be of the same race.

All major religions approve of organ donation and consider donation the greatest gift!

According to Organ Procurement Transplant Network, as of April 2003, each day:

• 69 people need an organ transplant.
• 17 people die from the lack of availability.

On average, 13 patients die per minute while awaiting an organ. It is because they could not find a suitable organ for transplantation.

In 2002, 6,187 individuals died on the US organ transplant waiting list because the organ they needed was not donated in time.

Over 55,000 people are waiting for kidney transplants with more than 88,000 on the organ and tissue transplant waiting list.

On average, 68 people receive transplants every day from either a living or deceased donor. Every 17 minutes a name is added to the organ transplant waiting list.

More than 2,200 of those waiting for organ transplants are under 18 years of age. 

Nearly 10% of those on the organ transplant waiting list are 15 years old or younger.

As of January 2003, over 27,000 patients have been transplanted along with more than 14,000 organ donations.

When a donor donates their organs, 8 lives are saved with another 50 more enhanced. 

According to OneLegacy (a transplant donor network), based in Los Angeles, as of April 2001, patients waiting for kidney transplants in Los Angeles, Ventura, Riverside, Bakersfield, Orange, Santa Barbara and San Bernardino counties, include the following:
kidney-3,308
kidney/pancreas-144
pancreas-34

More than one million tissue transplants have been performed since 2001.

There are over 7,500 clients in Southern California waiting for kidney transplants.

There are approximately 48,500 clients waiting for kidney transplants, as of 8/25/99.  Kidney transplantation has the lowest rates among minorities, with an average wait of 3 1/2 years for a transplant. 

50% of those waiting for organ and tissue transplants are people of color. 

Americans on the kidney transplant waiting list
as of December 31, 1997:
35.5% African American
9.2% Hispanic
4.6% Asian-Pacific Islander
1.4% other racial or ethnic minorities

Americans on the kidney-pancreas transplant waiting list:
12.1% African American
3.1% Hispanic
1.1% Asian-Pacific Islander
0.3% other racial or ethnic minorities

Americans on the pancreas transplant waiting list:
4.7% African American
0.8% Hispanic
0.3% Asian-Pacific Islander
0.6% other racial or ethnic minorities