African-American Organ And Tissue Donors Changing History

Black History Month Highlights Need for Donors of Color

HARRISBURG, Pa.,  -- As the accomplishments and sacrifices of African Americans in Pennsylvaniaare celebrated during Black History Month, more than 2,550 individuals from the African-American community in need of organ or tissue transplantation face an uncertain future.

A shortage of organ and tissue donors means nearly 60 percent of those needing a transplant will wait for more than a year. Many can expect to wait for more than five years. Waiting for matched organs may mean a recipient will be sicker at the time of transplant or, worse, die waiting.

African Americans in Pennsylvania can change the course of history by becoming organ and tissue donors. One organ and tissue donor can give more than 50 people a second chance at life.  

"There is a critical need for registered donors from the African-American community in Pennsylvania," says Janice P. Kopelman, Deputy Secretary of Health Promotion and Disease Prevention for the Pennsylvania Department of Health. "People of color suffer disproportionately from health conditions such as heart disease, hypertension and kidney failure. For many, a transplant is a viable medical option."

While African Americans make up 11 percent of the state's overall population, they represent 32 percent of Pennsylvanians waiting for organ or tissue transplants. The majority, more than 2,200 African Americans, are waiting for kidney transplants.

Organ and tissue donation is an extraordinary way to impact the lives of others, but many myths and misconceptions can interfere with the decision to sign up to become an organ donor. Organ donation is available to people of all ages and at no cost to their family. The process does not interfere with traditional funeral arrangements and is supported by all major religions. Organ donation takes place only after all efforts to save a life have been exhausted. In addition, organs are matched by factors such as blood and tissue types, organ size, medical urgency, waiting time and geographic location without consideration of wealth or social status.

The following is a list of Pennsylvanians whose lives have been impacted by organ donation:

• Diane Royster, of Pittsburgh, is celebrating her 20^th year as a liver transplant recipient.  Since that time she has worked hard to promote the importance of organ donation within the African-American community through her volunteer work with CORE.
• Michelle Smith, of Harrisburg, donated a kidney to her brother who developed health issues following his service in the Vietnam War. Smith has enjoyed watching her brother become an active grandparent.
• Philadelphia's 4^th District Councilman Curtis Jones Jr. amidst his work and commitment to the residents ofPhiladelphia became a liver and kidney donor to his younger brother. By giving this gift of life, the Councilman was able to aide in his brother's speedy and healthy recovery.

Becoming an organ and tissue donor is as simple as adding the donor designation to your driver's license, learner's permit or state identification card. Sign up at your local Department of Motor Vehicles or by visiting www.donatelife-pa.orgbecause Life Begins with You.

The Facts on Organ and Tissue Donation Among African Americans in Pennsylvania

While it is important for everyone to sign up to become an organ and tissue donor, Black History Month and National Donor Day on February 14^th represent key opportunities to raise awareness about the importance of becoming designated as organ and tissue donors within the African American community.

The course of history can be changed by increasing the number of people who receive life saving transplants each year.  In fact, one organ and tissue donor can give more than 50 people a second chance at life!

(Key facts from http://www.donatelife-pa.org/getthefacts_generalstats.asp, http://www.core.org/fast_facts.asp, andhttp://www.donors1.org/Become-a-donor-General/Fast-Facts.html)

• African Americans make up 11 percent of Pennsylvania's overall population, but represent nearly 32 percent of Pennsylvanians waiting for organ donor transplants.
• Of the more than 2,550 African Americans waiting for transplants in Pennsylvania, 89 percent are waiting for kidney transplants.
• African Americans represent 16 percent of transplants performed in Pennsylvania to date.
• 24.4 percent of African Americans waiting for transplants are between the ages of 50 and 64, and 28.6 percent are between the ages of 35 and 49.

How long is the wait for African Americans?

• 59.8 percent of African Americans in Pennsylvania waiting for an organ transplant have been on the waiting list for over 1 year; 10.8 percent have been waiting for more than five years.
• African Americans represent 42.1 percent of all Pennsylvanians waiting more than five years for a kidney transplant.
  

In Pennsylvania