National Minority Awareness Day is observed every August 1 to increase awareness of organ donation among African American, Hispanic/Latino, Asian, Alaskan Native, Pacific Islander and Native American populations. The event also recognizes minority donors and their families.

More than 89,000 people across the United States are on a waiting list for an organ transplant. More than 44,000 of them -- nearly half -- are from minority populations.

Many of the conditions leading to the need for transplant, such as diabetes, occur with greater frequency in minority populations. Patients on the national waiting list are most likely to find well-matched organs within their own racial/ethnic group, but 70 percent of U.S. donors are Caucasian.

The need for minority donors is critical. For example:

• African Americans represent 13 percent of the U.S. population, but 35 percent of patients awaiting kidney transplant.
• Hispanic/Latinos also represent 12 percent of the U.S. population, but 17 percent of patients awaiting kidney transplant.

Organ procurement organizations and transplant centers across the country focus special efforts to reach minority populations to promote donation and answer questions and concerns. Efforts include public service campaigns designed specially for Latinos and African Americans by the Coalition on Donation. Both campaigns promote donation and dispel myths associated with organ donation.

National Minority Awareness Day originated with the Minority Organ and Tissue Transplant Education Program (MOTTEP) at Howard University in Washington, D.C. The event was first recognized in 1996 by President Clinton.

For additional statistics about minority populations and donation, visit the Data section of the UNOS Web site or the Division of Transplantation in the Health Resources and Services Administration at www.organdonor.gov.

For more information about National Minority Donor Awareness Day, visit www.nationalmottep.org.