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The need for lifesaving organ transplants affects all communities, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, or sex. However, there is an even greater need for organ transplants among diverse communities when it comes to race and transplants. Did you know, nearly 1,500 people in our region are currently waiting for a life-saving organ transplant, with close to 700 from multiethnic communities? Both our region and the nation need more people of color to sign up as organ, eye, and tissue donors. National Multiethnic Donor Awareness Month is celebrated in August, with the aim of saving and healing the lives of diverse communities by promoting understanding of organ, eye, and tissue donation across all ethnicities. The lives of those waiting for transplants depend on others in our community. That’s why it’s important to gather the facts about organ, eye, and tissue donation.

Fast Facts About Organ and Tissue Donation

ALL MAJOR RELIGIONS IN THE U.S. SUPPORT ORGAN AND TISSUE DONATION

Organ, eye and tissue donation saves and heals thousands of lives each year and is a generous act supported by all major religions. We encourage you to get the facts and to speak with your religious leader if you have any specific questions about your religion’s view of organ and tissue donation.

ANYONE OF ANY AGE OR MEDICAL HISTORY CAN SIGN UP

All residents over the age of 18 can register to donate certain organs and tissues, or all of them, in the event of death. Children between the ages of 13 and 17 may be registered; However, until the designated donor turns 18, their legal guardian will make the final decision. We have had donors from 1 to over 100 years old with various medical conditions, so don’t rule yourself out as a potential donor.

DONATION STATUS DOES NOT AFFECT MEDICAL CARE

A medical professional’s first priority is to save lives when a sick or injured person arrives at the hospital. Organ and tissue donation is not considered or discussed until death is declared or the family decides to wean their loved one off ventilation. In fact, doctors and nurses involved in caring for a person before death are not involved in the recovery or transplantation of donated corneas, organs, or tissues at all.

THERE IS NO COST TO THE DONOR OR THEIR FAMILY FOR DONATION

Donation does not cost you or your family anything. Hospital expenses incurred before the donation of organs, eyes or tissues and funeral expenses remain the responsibility of the donor’s family.

ORGAN TRANSPLANTS MADE WITHIN ETHNIC GROUPS CAN BE MORE COMPATIBLE

The reason: The Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA). HLA antigens are proteins found on most cells in our bodies. These antigens are inherited as a unique set from our parents and regulate the immune system. When it comes to kidney matching—the organ most needed by African American and Black candidates —HLA plays a big role. This is because HLA antigens between Caucasian and African American candidates do not match as well. Currently, African Americans make up more than 1/3 of the kidney transplant waiting list nationally, yet only around 13% of the general population. This creates a smaller pool of potential donor organs from African American donors and means that African American transplant candidates may rely on organs that do not match as well or may have to wait longer for a more suitable match.

National Multiethnic Donor Awareness Month 2023