This study examined the patterns of organ donation among African Americans in the Delaware Valley Transplant Program (DVTP) from 1989 to 1992. The number of referrals for organ donation and the proportion of all referrals increased each year, from 63 in 1989 (representing 15% of the total number of referrals across racial groups) to 112 in 1992 (representing 22% of the total number of referrals across racial groups). The number of medically suitable referrals followed the same pattern.

The authors suggest possible explanations for this increase, including an increased incidence of trauma to young African American men (which would increase the number of potential donors) and increased education by the DVTP of both the general public and health care providers.

While increasing, the consent rate of African Americans asked to donate organs remains lower than for other populations. Thus, further opportunities exist to target this population for further expansion of organ donations.