Organ and Tissue Donation

Hair Time Barbershop, south Minneapolis

Hair Time Barbershop, south Minneapolis

Attitudes and beliefs passed down through the years in the African-American community have reinforced negative and misguided beliefs about organ and tissue donation and transplantation, and ultimately have discouraged generations from becoming a donor and saving the lives of others. Sadly, African-American men have a very high risk of experiencing serious, life-threatening health complications and needing a transplant!

Beliefs that contribute to lower donation rates, include

  • the belief that we will not receive adequate medical treatment in an medical emergency if our donation wishes are known, and the perception that the African-American community is not supportive of organ and tissue donation.
  • According to research, African-American men, in particular, are more likely to have negative beliefs about organ and tissue donation.

African Americans experience higher rates for diabetes, obesity, hypertension and stress.  Each of these conditions is preventable; however, when ignored, can lead to end-stage renal disease (kidney failure), a serious and debilitating complication that often requires dialysis or an eventual kidney transplant.

Nationwide, as well as in Minnesota, African-Americans are more than five times as whites to develop end-stage renal disease (kidney failure), and require a kidney transplant as a result of any one or any combination of the risk factors — diabetes, obesity, hypertension and stress. Approximately 40 percent of those on the kidney transplant waitlist are African Americans.
The health risks and disparities facing African-American men are profound and real!
Barbershop Conversations is our approach to combat these very real health disparities facing us as black men; address our concerns about donation, and increase our level of comfort to share donation intentions with our family.
Questions about organ and tissue donation? Visit these related links: