Increasing organ donation in the black community

Abstract

Nationally, black people represent almost 12% of the general population but comprise almost 30% of the ESRD population. A great discrepancy exists between the number of black patients on dialysis and the number who become organ donors. This article reviews some of the many complex factors affecting this situation, such as distrust of health providers, lack of transplant awareness, and religious beliefs, and presents some approaches to increase the black population's understanding of and their receptivity to the need for organ donation.