The Texas Organ Sharing Alliance says it needs more Hispanic organ donors

More than 10,000 people in Texas are awaiting organ transplants, according to the Texas Organ Sharing Alliance.

Less than half of the people in the Rio Grande Valley have signed up to become organ donors. The alliance said that when donors and recipients are genetically similar, more Hispanic donors are usually needed because transplants are more successful.

Almost 3,700 Hispanics need kidney donations due to diabetes and high blood pressure. These are two conditions that cause kidney damage.

“Most of the people waiting on the Texas waiting list are Hispanic, and most Hispanics are in the valley,” says Tosa Communications Coordinator Sarah Salas. “That means fewer people will have the opportunity to get that organ that they are waiting for.”

One donation can save eight lives.

To become an organ donor, click here to register.