Yes. Kidneys are at the top of the list. While 12% of the US population is African American, 35% of those waiting for a kidney transplant are Black. Currently, more than 28,000 African Americans are waiting for kidney transplants. For these patients, the lack of available organs means longer waiting periods on transplant lists, years spent on dialysis, and sometimes death.

Why is the need for kidneys so high among Blacks?

African Americans are disproportionately affected by illnesses, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, that can lead to end-stage renal disease and the need for dialysis or a kidney transplant.