Honoring MLK’s Legacy: The Lifesaving Impact of Diverse Donors on Martin Luther King Jr. Day 

On the third Monday of January, we celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day and honor the activist and Baptist pastor Martin Luther King, who, in the mid 50’s, led the movement to end racial segregation and counteract prejudice in the United States through peaceful protest, becoming an icon, marking a before and after in the history of the United States through his legendary speeches.

I HAVE A DREAM

Martin Luther King dreamed of a future where people of different races could coexist  harmoniously and equally in the United States and globally. His best-known march was in Washington on August 28, 1963, where he gave one of his most incredible speeches that we all know as “I Have a Dream”. His words managed to transcend borders and earned him international recognition and respect.

“Today I say to you, my friends, that despite the difficulties of the moment, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the “American” dream. I dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: “We affirm these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal.”

– Martin Luther King.

From this speech, civil rights laws were proclaimed, guaranteeing the right of free suffrage to all U.S. citizens without discriminatory restrictions. Thanks to his leadership, the civil rights movement opened the doors to education and employment that had long been closed to America’s black population.

Equity and Inclusion in the Field of Organ Donation and Transplantation

Donor Alliance, the nonprofit organization that facilitates organ and tissue donation for transplantation in Colorado and most of Wyoming, encourages communities to participate in the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration. It provides residents an opportunity to celebrate his legacy and to start the conversation about the needs of our diverse communities, which includes the lifesaving and healing gifts of organ and tissue donation. 

It is important to take into consideration how equity and inclusion are relevant and necessary factors to save and heal lives in communities that have not been prioritized in the past. The need for lifesaving organ transplants affects all communities regardless of race, age and sex. However, there is a far greater need for organ transplants among ethnic minority groups and, similarly, a prevalent need for more multicultural individuals to register as organ, eye and tissue donors. 

Nationally, almost 60% of those on the waiting list are people of color. This is partly because some diseases that can lead to organ failure, such as diabetes and hypertension, are more prevalent among diverse communities. The highest percentages of populations waiting for a transplant are Hispanic, African American and Asian/Pacific Islander. 

Those waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant are not matched based on race; however, transplant matches made within race groups can be even more compatible and successful. Donor Alliance remains committed to improving the quality of life of multicultural communities by creating a positive culture for organ and tissue donation. 

2025 Updates on Equity Initiatives

In 2025, Donor Alliance expanded its outreach efforts to improve engagement with multicultural communities about the importance of registering to be organ and tissue donors to save and heal lives:

• • New Education Campaigns: Multilingual and culturally sensitive materials were distributed to address common myths and misconceptions about organ donation.
  • Faith-Based Outreach: Collaborations with local religious leaders helped clarify support for organ donation within diverse faiths, fostering trust and understanding.
  • Community Success Stories: Stories from recent transplant recipients of color were highlighted to inspire new registrations and demonstrate the life-changing impact of organ donation.

• Updates to Donor Alliance’s Transplantation Science Program: The free curriculum for 6th to 12th graders was recently updated for Spanish-speaking students. The program is an engaging, hands-on class about the science behind organ and tissue donation. The Transplantation Science Program will be offered in more languages for the 2025-2026 school year.

These initiatives align with Dr. King’s vision of equity, helping to close the gap in access to lifesaving transplants for historically underserved communities.

UNOS and OPTN: Champions for Equity in Organ Transplantation

In 2022, a milestone was reached in saving and healing lives. One million transplants were performed in the United States, which makes us wonder how we will reach the next million. This is why UNOS (United Network for Organ Sharing) continues to work hard to find solutions to increase equity, make transplantation fair and accessible to all, and prioritize the medical needs of historically underserved groups of transplant patients. 

New regulatory changes, coupled with ongoing research, promise fairer access to transplantation for African American kidney patients. HBCU’s (Historical Black Colleges or Universities) are collaborating with organ procurement organizations on a pilot program to increase physician diversity in organ donation and transplantation.

OPTN Board approves elimination of race-based calculation for transplant candidate listing.

In January 2023, the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) began requiring kidney programs to  assess their waiting lists and adjust wait times for any Black kidney candidates whose kidney function was overestimated due to use of a race-inclusive calculation. 

The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) measures kidney efficiency in removing creatinine from the blood, either directly or through estimated (eGFR) calculations. Some eGFR formulas include a race variable for Black individuals, potentially inaccurately suggesting higher kidney function. A recent board action mandates kidney transplant programs to identify Black candidates qualifying with race-inclusive eGFR, assess if a race-neutral eGFR would have qualified them sooner, and apply for waiting time modifications through OPTN. 

The OPTN is committed to providing robust support to its members and transplant candidates by offering resource information and educational materials. To learn more, please visit the OPTN website.

Answering the Call for Equity This MLK Day

While we know the need for organ donation and transplantation affects all communities, data has shown that ethnic minority groups are more likely to need a lifesaving organ transplant. Learning about the impact of lifesaving organ and tissue donation and registering as an organ and tissue donor means supporting each other as a community and providing hope to the nearly 1,300 people in our community currently waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant. While tens of thousands of others suffering from trauma, disease or blindness would benefit from a tissue transplant. For more information, please visit DonorAlliance.org. 

The Importance of Diverse Donors: Closing the Gap in Minority Health

Achieving Dr. King’s vision of a truly equitable society requires addressing the health disparities that persist in our nation, including those related to organ transplantation. Minority communities face significant challenges in accessing transplants, often waiting longer and having fewer opportunities for a match.

One critical factor contributing to this disparity is the need for more diverse donors. While organ allocation is not based on race, research shows that matches within racial and ethnic groups can be more compatible due to shared genetic factors. This means that increasing the number of minority organ donors can significantly improve the chances of finding a suitable match for patients in need.

By promoting organ donation within minority communities, we can help close the gap in minority health and ensure that everyone has an equal chance at a healthy life.

Myths and Misconceptions about Organ Donation

Many misconceptions about organ donation can deter people from registering as donors. It’s crucial to address these myths and provide accurate information, particularly within communities where cultural or religious beliefs may influence decisions about organ donation.

Here are some common myths and facts:

• Myth: Organ donation is against my religion.
  • Fact: Most major religions support organ donation as an act of selfless giving and compassion.
• Myth: Doctors won’t try as hard to save my life if I’m an organ donor.
  • Fact: Medical professionals prioritize saving a patient’s life above all else. The medical team treating a patient is entirely separate from the transplant team.
• Myth: Only young and healthy people can be organ donors.
  • Fact: People of all ages and backgrounds can be potential donors. Medical professionals determine eligibility at the time of death.

By dispelling these myths and promoting open conversations about organ donation, we can empower individuals to make informed decisions and help save lives.

Honoring MLK’s Legacy: A Call to Action This Martin Luther King Day 2025

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream of a just and equitable society continues to inspire us to work towards a world where everyone has an equal opportunity for health and well-being. This Martin Luther King Day 2025, let us honor his legacy by taking action to address health disparities and promote equality in organ donation.

Here’s how you can get involved:

• Check the box and say “yes” to register as an organ, eye, and tissue donor: Visit DonorAlliance.org to make your decision today!
• Talk to your family and friends about your decision: Donor Alliance has heard from families that knowing their loved one’s decision provided them with comfort in a difficult time.
• Educate yourself and others: Learn more about the importance of organ donation and dispel myths within your community.
• Support organizations fighting for health equity: Donate or volunteer with organizations working to address health disparities and improve access to healthcare for all.

By taking these steps, we can help create a world where everyone has a fair chance at a healthy life, fulfilling Dr. King’s vision of a truly just and equitable society.