In Michigan, Black people make up a larger part of those who need organ transplants compared to their population size. Even though only about 14% of people in Michigan are Black, they account for over 30% of those waiting for an organ transplant.
Gift of Life Michigan, an organization that helps with organ donations, is trying to fix this problem. They are reaching out to communities and educating people about the importance of organ and tissue donation, especially among diverse groups. Taneisha Carswell, who works for the organization, recently visited a high school in Detroit to talk to students about this issue.
Remonia Chapman, another person from Gift of Life Michigan, says that there are many reasons why this difference exists. Some of these reasons include poverty, difficulty getting to doctors, lack of transportation, housing problems, and poor nutrition. Additionally, some Black people may not trust the healthcare system due to past mistreatment.The good news is that since 2016, more people from diverse backgrounds have signed up to be organ donors in Michigan.
However, there is still a lot of work to be done. Out of the 2,587 people in Michigan who currently need a lifesaving organ transplant, 781 are Black. This shows that it’s important to keep educating people and working to make sure everyone has an equal chance to get the medical help they need.
See “There’s a racial disparity among Michigan’s organ donors” by Kristen Jordan Shamus on the Detroit Free Press website (February 13, 2024)
