Hispanics urged to sign up as organ donors

Kidney donations urgently needed in community disproportionately affected by renal failure

(PHOENIX - Aug. 29 2024) - The transplant team at Dignity Health St. Joseph’s Norton Thoracic Institute urges Hispanics to consider signing up as organ, eye and tissue donors in recognition of National Minority Donor Awareness Month.

Living kidney donations are a top priority, as Hispanics have one of the lowest rates of living kidney donation across the U.S. and in the Southwest. They also have a lower rate of organ donation at the time of death.

“Hispanics are disproportionately affected by renal failure and a need for kidney transplant, so a living kidney donation can help us curb this growing need,” said Gabriel Quiroz, kidney transplant coordinator at Dignity Health St. Joseph’s Norton Thoracic Institute. “There is an urgent need nationwide for more organ donors – and the need is greatest in minority communities that have disproportionately higher rates of diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease, which can contribute to organ failure, particularly kidney failure.”

The prevalence of kidney failure among Hispanic/Latino Americans and Native Americans is more than twice as high as among white people, according to the U.S. Renal Data System. Hispanics and Latinos comprise the largest percentage of patients waiting for a kidney in the Southwest, and 40 percent of those on the Arizona kidney waitlist are Hispanics or Latinos.

During National Minority Donor Awareness Month, health officials hope to overcome barriers to donation among minorities, including limited access to medical care, a misunderstanding of the organ donation system.

“Diversity in the donor pool significantly increases the ability to perform organ transplants, so donation from the Hispanic population is essential,” said Quiroz. “We want people to know that this selfless act can help save a life.”

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