Kidney Disease Drives Black Americans to 26% of Organ Waiting Lists

Black Americans hold a larger share of the national organ transplant waiting list than their population percentage.

In 2026, African Americans accounted for more than a quarter of those waiting for organs. At the same time, they made up only about 12% of all donors. They also received nearly a quarter of all transplants performed in the United States.

Health experts link the disparity to higher rates of diabetes and high blood pressure. These conditions can lead to organ failure, particularly in the kidneys. Kidney disease often progresses without obvious symptoms, which complicates early detection.

Everett German, a play-by-play announcer for the College of Charleston men’s basketball team, learned this lesson the hard way. For 20 years, he has called games from TD Arena. About two decades ago, he began experiencing blurry vision while working as an account executive.

His optometrist found no vision problems but recommended a blood pressure check. German’s reading came back at 220 over 160. He described himself as a walking stroke with only blurred vision as a symptom. Doctors admitted him to the hospital immediately. His kidneys were failing, with only 12% of their function remaining.

German managed the condition with medication for five years. When his kidney function dropped to 5%, he needed a transplant. He told his family about the situation and asked for interested members to get tested. His youngest sister, Charlene, became his donor. German received the transplant on June 8, 2011. He said she did not hesitate to help.

German now works with We Are Sharing Hope SC, a federally designated organization in South Carolina. The group facilitates organ, eye, and tissue donations. Krystal Cau, the organization’s director of communications, said more than 1,900 people in South Carolina are on the waitlist. Over 56% of those individuals are African American. Cau cited a lack of education and trust as primary barriers to donation.

Cau addressed a common myth that medical professionals will not treat patients if their license indicates organ donor status. She said there is no truth to that claim. German uses his story to encourage others to register. He is 51 years old, a husband, and a father of two. He said the transplant gave him a second chance at life and a new appreciation for everyday things.