Plea for increased rates
of African
American Organ donation
Newswise — African American churches
and black transplant surgeons nationwide will take part in the Linkages
to Life: Organ, Tissue, and Bone Marrow Donation Awareness Program with hopes of saving thousands of African Americans waiting
for a transplant. The day coincides with the National Donor Sabbath
declared by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Linkages
to Life is sponsored by The Links, Incorporated and Roche.
Of the more than 87,000 people on the
nation’s growing transplant waiting list, more than 25 percent of them
are black. African Americans as a group have a greater-than-average need
for organ and tissue transplantation because of the relatively high
incidence in this population of certain medical conditions that can
cause permanent organ damage, such as high blood pressure, diabetes,
heart disease and kidney disorders. Some experts believe patients fare
better when both donor and recipient are from the same racial or ethnic
group.
“The organ shortage in this country is
a medical crisis, especially in the black community, where the need is
greatest. Certainly, increased rates of African American organ donation
can help ease this crisis by creating the opportunity for more
transplants,” said Velma Scantlebury, M.D., director of transplantation
services at the University of South Alabama in Mobile and a member of
The Links, Incorporated. “I am proud to join my Link sisters and fellow
surgeons in this initiative to let people know what is happening in our
community.”
Linkages to Life is an ongoing,
church-based program designed to demystify organ, tissue and bone marrow
donation, emphasizing the critical need in the African American
community. This year’s initiative is the largest ever, with
participating churches urging congregations to strongly consider organ
donation.
“Seven years on dialysis took a
serious toll on my life. I waited so long, I quit waiting,” said recent
kidney transplant recipient Joann C. DuBose, also of Mobile, Ala.
“Today, I am alive and healthy with a new kidney, thanks to someone
else’s generosity. If more people would consider donation, everyone in
need could have this wonderful gift of life.”
Linkages to Life events, usually held
during church services, feature local organ donors, recipients and
transplant medical professionals who share their stories to dispel myths
about transplantation. Speakers also encourage attendees to fill out
organ donor cards and discuss with their families the decision to
donate.
“We’re working hard to dispel myths about donation. People fear that
donors don’t receive proper treatment if they’re sick, or that organs
are distributed first to the rich or famous. It’s not true,” said Dr.
Scantlebury. “We need to educate ourselves and our community about these
issues. Because of advances in surgery and medical care after a
transplant, more recipients than ever are living longer and healthier
lives.”
The Links, Incorporated is a
not-for-profit organization, founded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in
1946. Our 10,000 members are women of African Ancestry, who are linked
by 274 chapters around the globe. Programs of The Links, Incorporated
are designed to enrich, sustain and ensure the identities, culture and
economic survival of all people of African origin. Visit
http://www.linksinc.org
to learn more about The Links, Incorporated and Linkages to Life.
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