A national minority organ/tissue transplant education program: the first step in the evolution of a national minority strategy and minority transplant equity in the USA

Abstract

1. These successful education programs initially aimed at the AA community are being expanded into other minority groups such as Native American (Alaskan and American Indian), Hispanic (Latino), and Asian-Pacific Islander populations; and if the same modus operandus, ie, a minority-targeted message delivered by ethnically and culturally similar and sensitive messengers is used, this will have equal applicability to the majority population. MOTTEP, the first grass roots national transplant education program, while directed first to the minority population, can when presented to the majority population help all groups address the number one problem in transplantation today--the shortage of donors. 2. Active inclusion and involvement of minorities at all levels of problem resolution (resource allocation, research, and education), emphasizing community participation, education, and empowerment are the important next steps to allow for minority transplant equity in America. 3. The emergence of ASMHTP as the responsible brain trust for future minority-related efforts along with MOTTEP, a community based, empowering transplant education program, highlights the importance of a national strategy necessary for the survival of minority communities. This will enhance the interaction between minority transplant health professionals and the minority community and requires minority inclusion at all decision making levels of problem resolution within the transplant community.