Dahai Yonas, COL ’26, Grand Rapids, MI
As the summer ends on my immersive research experience, I find myself reflecting on the profound journey that delving into Black kidney organ disparities in Grand Rapids has been. This summer has been a transformative exploration into the intricate tapestry of healthcare inequities, specifically within the context of Black public health. With a spotlight on the medical industry, I embarked on a quest to unearth the underlying factors contributing to these disparities, striving for a deeper understanding and potential avenues for change.
Throughout my research journey, I was confronted with staggering statistics that exposed the glaring reality: African Americans are disproportionately affected by a myriad of organ-related health issues. From kidney diseases to heart ailments, the burden carried by this community is undeniable. As I delved deeper into the intricacies of the medical industry, it became clear that addressing these disparities requires not only a focus on healthcare access, but also a reevaluation of cultural competence within medical institutions.
In the heart of Grand Rapids, my summer experience was an eye-opening exploration of the dynamics within the medical industry that perpetuate Black organ disparities. I was able to research how Black individuals on average receive a lower amount of kidney organs from the organ pool compared to white individuals in the United States.
Ultimately, my research argued that the implications of inequity within the donor system, specifically in regard to kidney transplantation, are crucial for the public and scientific world to recognize and understand. Firstly, such disparities can have serious consequences for the health and well-being of Black individuals. Having kidney organs for transplant less accessible can lead to poorer health outcomes, and in some cases, even death. Secondly, addressing these disparities is important for ensuring that everyone has access to the lifesaving care they need, regardless of their race or ethnicity. Finally, addressing these disparities can also help to improve overall public health, by reducing the overall burden of kidney disease and its associated complications on the healthcare system.
The organ donation system, intended to improve the well-being of its beneficiaries, should not be a place where inequities and the effects of power dynamics prevail among Black people. The race of a person should not determine their chances of receiving an organ that they require for survival. There must be improvements to the organ donation system as a whole to resolve the glaring inequities that prevent thousands of people of color from receiving the organs they need today.
This is part of a series of posts by recipients of the 2023 Career Services Summer Funding Grant. We’ve asked funding recipients to reflect on their summer experiences and talk about the industries in which they spent their summer. You can read the entire series here
