Why should minorities be especially concerned?
Some diseases of the kidney, heart, lung, pancreas and liver are found more frequently in certain racial and ethnic populations. Transplantation between people who are strong genetic matches is generally more successful. Recipients have a better chance of finding a match from their same racial group. Approximately 50 percent of all people on the waiting list are minorities while only 25 percent of all donors are minorities.
Some diseases of the kidney, heart, lung, pancreas and liver are found more frequently in certain racial and ethnic populations. Transplantation between people who are strong genetic matches is generally more successful. Recipients have a better chance of finding a match from their same racial group. Approximately 50 percent of all people on the waiting list are minorities while only 25 percent of all donors are minorities.
