Virginia Beach, Va. (Aug. 17, 2022) – LifeNet Health’s Multicultural Community Affairs Director, Kia Potts, spoke to CBS 6 News Richmond about our efforts to promote health equity in organ donation and transplantation. View the story.

LifeNet Health is focused on bringing vital information about donation to communities throughout Virginia. Part of this commitment includes efforts to expand access across ethnicities to address health disparities in organ donation and transplantation. 

While shared ethnicity is not a requirement for matching an organ, it has been shown to increase the likelihood of a genetic match between donor and recipient. Also, people with rare immune system markers are more likely to match someone from a similar ethnic background. This can increase the chances for long-term survival.

Nearly 60% of those on the national transplant waiting list are ethnically diverse, according to data from the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network. In Virginia, nearly half of those waiting for an organ are Black. 

Through focused initiatives such as the One Hero campaign, LifeNet Health is encouraging everyone – and especially those in diverse communities – to have a conversation about organ donation and transplantation.   

To learn more, visit Health Equity in Organ Donation and Transplantation.

About LifeNet Health 
LifeNet Health helps save lives, restore health, and give hope to thousands each year. It is the world's most trusted provider of transplant solutions — from organ procurement to bio-implants and cellular therapies — and a leader in regenerative medicine, while always honoring the donors and healthcare professionals who enable healing.