When it comes to minorities waiting for a life-saving organ transplant, the numbers are startling. Jamie Tyska, Hartford Hospital’s organ donation coordinator, explains why – and what can be done about it.
Q. Tell us about the need for organ transplants in minority communities. How critical is the need?
A. The number of minorities waiting for a transplant is disproportionately high. There are currently over 115,000 men, women and children waiting for a life-saving organ transplant. Nearly 60 percent of these people on the national transplant waiting list are from minority communities.
The greatest need in all communities is for a kidney transplant — 83 percent of people waiting for a transplant are in need of a kidney. Minority communities are impacted at higher rates by conditions and illnesses that lead to end stage renal failure, like uncontrolled diabetes and high blood pressure. Transplants offer these patients a new lease on life—and, in the case of a kidney transplant, freedom from dialysis.
Q. What are common myths that prevent people from registering as a donor?
A. One common myth is that the hospital won’t try to save your life if you are a donor. This is not true. Doctors work hard to save their patient’s life. When someone is critically ill or injured, donation is only an option after all efforts to save a life have been exhausted.
Also, some people don’t register to donate because they think they are too old or too sick to help others. The truth is that anyone can register as a donor and factors like age do not automatically rule someone out from being able to give a life-saving gift to someone else.
Q. Are religious beliefs a factor when it comes to supporting organ and tissue donation?
A. All major religions support donation as a final act of compassion and generosity — and a final act of charity toward others.
Q. Why is it important for people of EVERY community to donate?
A. Although donation and transplantation can take place successfully between individuals from different racial or ethnic groups, the chance of longer-term survival may be greater if the donor and recipient are closely matched in terms of their shared genetic background. A greater diversity of donors may potentially increase access to transplantation for everyone.
One person can save up to 8 lives through organ donation, restore sight to 2 people and heal the lives of more than 75 people through tissue donation.
If you would like to learn more about organ donation call 1.855.HHC.HERE (1.855.442.4373). For more information on transplant services at Hartford Hospital, click here. For more information on Living Donation, click here.