Black History Month and Raising Awareness for the Need for Minority Donors

As the achievements by black Americans and recognition of the important role of African Americans in our country’s history are celebrated during Black History month, more than 34 thousand people from the African-American community around the nation are waiting for a lifesaving transplant. In Colorado and Wyoming alone, there are nearly 250 (245) African Americans waiting for an organ transplant.

African Americans are the largest group of minorities in need of an organ transplant. In the U.S., 30 percent of those currently waiting on an organ transplant are African American, and almost 35 percent of people waiting for a kidney transplant are African American. While organs are not matched according to race or ethnicity, transplant matches made within ethnic groups can be more compatible. That is one of the reasons why it is important for people in minority communities to register their decision to be donors.

Just one donor can save up to eight lives through organ donation and save or heal more than 75 through eye and tissue donation. Colorado and Wyoming residents can register as an organ, eye and tissue donor anytime at DonateLifeColorado.org or DonateLifeWyoming.org.