Health Equity in Organ Donation and Transplantation

LifeNet Health is committed to promoting health equity and addressing health disparities – especially when it comes to expanding access across ethnicities – in organ donation and transplantation. There is a critical shortage of organs in Virginia and nationwide. One donor can save up to nine lives – making a difference for the 100,000-plus Americans who are on the national transplant waiting list.

While shared ethnicity is not a requirement for matching an organ, it has been shown to increase the likelihood of a genetic match between donor and recipient. Also, people with rare immune system markers are more likely to match someone from a similar ethnic background. This can increase the chances of long-term survival.

Nearly 60% of those on the national transplant waiting list are ethnically diverse, according to data from the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network:

28% are Black

21% are Hispanic

9% are Asian Pacific Islander

1% are American Indian/Alaskan Native

1% are of multiethnic descent