Organ donation and blacks: a critical frontier

Article Abstract:

At the beginning of the decade, almost 21,000 people were waiting for organs to be donated. The discrepancy between the number of available donors and potential transplant recipients is even greater for the black population: half of end-stage renal (kidney) disease patients, but under 10 percent of donors, are black. Forty black men and women were interviewed to determine the reasons for the low rate of organ donation. Lack of awareness of organ donation and of the high need for organs among blacks was common. Other reasons cited for an unwillingness to donate organs were religious beliefs, misperceptions, distrust of the medical establishment, and fear of being declared dead prematurely so that organs could be taken. After the interviews, 100 percent of the interviewees agreed to sign an organ-donor card. The results of this study, highlighting the need for education and person-to-person contact, provided the basis for a larger venture. The Take Initiative Program was developed and expanded nationwide to encourage blacks to become organ donors. This program and similar efforts have helped to increase the percent of blacks who have signed organ-donor cards from 7 percent to almost 24 percent. The methods used by the program are described, including the use of black spokespersons. The increase in organ donation will help reduce the waiting period for black patients, which is currently twice that of whites. It will also lead to better matching between donor and recipient, thereby increasing the likelihood of successful transplantation. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Surveys, Beliefs, opinions and attitudes, Donation of organs, tissues, etc., Tissue donation, Blacks

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Inappropriate drug-donation practices in Bosnia and Herzegovina, 1992 to 1996

Article Abstract:

Half of the medical supplies donated to Bosnia and Herzegovina between 1992 and 1996 were useless or irrelevant, and could cost the region $34 million for disposal. Many governments, corporations, organizations and agencies sent drugs and supplies to the war-torn region, ostensibly as humanitarian aid. Donors can receive significant tax deductions and publicity. About 17,000 metric tons of supplies did not suit local needs or were expired, unlabeled, unsorted or outdated. International regulations to prevent and penalize such dumping, and local coordination of donations, are needed.

Drugs, Pharmaceutical industry, Donations, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Charitable contributions, Charitable donations

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Differing birth weight among infants of U.S.-born blacks, African-born blacks, and U.S.-born whites

Article Abstract:

It appears that there is no genetic or racial basis for the lower birth rates seen in US-born blacks. Researchers analyzed birth records in Illinois between 1980 and 1995 to determine birth weights of US-born whites, US-born blacks and African-born blacks. The average birth weight in African-born blacks was close to the average birth weight in US-born whites, but the average birth weight in US-born blacks was significantly lower than in the other two groups. The frequency of low birth weight was 13% in US-born blacks, 7% in African-born blacks and 4% in US-born whites.

Birth weight, Low, Low birth weight, Infants (Newborn), Newborn infants, Body weight

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