African Americans are in need of organ transplants, but there is a shortage of organ donors. Here are the facts:African Americans are nearly three times more likely to have kidney failure as European Americans.Two of the leading causes of kidney failure - high blood pressure and diabetes - affect African Americans at a higher rate than European Americans.Mainly because of these health issues, African Americans make up 30% of all kidney dialysis patients in the United States.While African Americans account for 12% of the total U.S. population, they represent 35% of the people currently waiting for a kidney transplant in our country.Since successful organ transplants rely partly on tissue matching, many African Americans with kidney failure can accept a transplanted kidney only from an African American organ donor.We must increase the number of African American organ donors so that well-matched organ transplants are available for African Americans.You can make a difference: pick up an organ donor card and brochure and talk about it with your family. If you decide to become an organ donor, sign the card, and carry it with you in your wallet or purse.You can make a difference. Save a life.For more infomation check outwww.organdonor.gov
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