Minority Issues

In the African American community the need for organ donors is great! In Mississippi, more than 90% of the people in need of a kidney transplant are African-American. In addition, many health issues directly impact African Americans which can lead to organ transplantation: African-Americans suffer from a higher incidence of hypertension; they have a greater chance of developing kidney failure. An African-American with high blood pressure is 17 times more prone to kidney failure than Caucasians. Kidney disease due to high blood pressure is often an inherited trait, which can be passed on through the family. Sickle cell disease is very common among African-Americans and can lead to kidney disease. Organ donation takes patients off dialysis and gives them a better quality of life. An organ transplant is the only hope for a healthy, productive life for someone who needs an organ. A Kidney Transplant takes the patient off dialysis and gives them a better quality of life An organ transplant is the only hope for a healthy, productive life for someone with organ failure. You can learn more about the critical shortage in organ donation in the African American community at: www.shareyourlife.org/africanamerican

The Mississippi Organ Recovery Agency's Minority Affairs Department offers programs and educational assistance for schools, churches and civic groups free of charge. For information, contact one of our Minority Affairs Coordinators by calling 601-933-1000 (in Jackson) or 1-800-690-8878..

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