Why Living Donation Matters
Understanding the critical need for living kidney donors in the Black community.
The Facts
The impact we have made in our community
There are currently over 7,000 people waiting for a kidney transplant in the UK. Black patients wait, on average, 3 times longer than white patients because of the need for better-matched kidneys.
Living donation is the most successful type of transplant. A kidney from a living donor lasts on average twice as long as one from a deceased donor, and the recipient can be scheduled for surgery before their health deteriorates further.
Despite this, awareness of living donation in the Black community remains critically low. That’s exactly why we exist.
Living Donors
A living donor is someone who donates one of their two healthy kidneys to a person in need, typically a family member, friend, or stranger. They can live a full, healthy life with just one kidney.
Why Ethnicity Matters
Kidney matching involves tissue typing. People of the same ethnic background are more likely to be compatible. This is why Black donors for Black patients is so critical to reducing waiting times.
How to Get Tested
If you’re interested in becoming a living donor, speak to your GP or visit the NHS Living Donor website. The BLDC can also point you to resources and support through GIFT.