Fact Sheet: African American Statistics

Description:
National Minority Donor Awareness Day, celebrated annually on August 1, is a nationwide observance to raise awareness of the desperate need for donation and transplantation in the African American community and to educate the public on the facts and process of how to designate their decision to Donate LifeSM. Approximately 35% of those on the waiting list for kidney transplants are African American. In 2005, 5,212 African Americans received an organ transplant; there were 1,136 African American deceased donors and 889 living donors.

Background:
Donate Life America is a national organization that directly seeks to educate the U.S. population about the need for organ and tissue donors. This year is the 10th Anniversary of National Minority Donor Awareness Day. The observance was first recognized by President Clinton in 1996.

Statistics: The African American community is in desperate need of African American organ and tissue donors.

  • As of May 2006, there were 25,177 African Americans registered on the U.S. transplant waiting list compared to 6,598 in 1991, a 382% increase.
  • Approximately 51% of those waiting for a transplant are minorities and 27% of those are African Americans.
  • While Blacks comprise 27% of individuals on the national transplant waiting list, they represent only 12% of organ donors.
  • 23,003 African Americans are registered for a kidney transplant in 2006, 35% of all who are awaiting a kidney. African Americans make up 14% of the U.S. population.
  • Anyone can be a potential donor, regardless of age or medical history. The good news is that a single donor can save or improve the lives of more than 50 people. To learn more and find out how to be a donor in your state, go to www.donatelife.net.
  • Every major religion in the United States supports organ and tissue donation as one of the highest expressions of compassion and generosity.

Donate Life America:
Founded in 1992, Donate Life America’s mission is to serve as a national voice and inspire all people to save and enhance lives through organ, eye and tissue donation.

Web site: www.DonateLife.net