When we think about health, most of us picture clinics, medications, or hospitals. But for many people, especially those in Black communities, being healthy is also deeply tied to feeling understood and supported. Black Canadians are underrepresented as donors across blood and stem-cell registries. For example, Black people make up only about 2% of the registry in Canada despite a higher share of the population. Underrepresentation in donor pools matters because patients are more likely to find a matched stem-cell or organ donor from someone of similar ancestry.

At the same time, research shows that African, Caribbean and Black (ACB) patients in Canada are 50-75% less likely to receive living donor kidney transplants compared with white patients, meaning delayed access to the best available treatment for kidney failure. This disparity in donor representation and transplant access means Black patients often face longer wait times, reduced access to matched donors, and worse health outcomes compared to other populations. Many Black patients also lack clear, culturally relevant information about donation and regenerative treatments, which contributes to ongoing inequities.

When these barriers are addressed through education, trust-building, and increased representation, Black patients and families gain better access to lifesaving care and stronger connections with the health system. That’s where organizations like the Caribbean African Regenerative Medicine Project (CARM) come in. CARM is a Black, student-led initiative created by transplant nephrologist Dr. Istvan Mucsi and managed by Dr. Jacqueline Getfield.

This community organization focuses on improving health, notably kidney health, in Black communities, while also facilitating stronger connections between community members and the health care system. A big part of CARM’s work is building trust. Many Black individuals have had negative experiences in health care or feel unheard when they seek support. At CARM events, people have the opportunity to speak directly with doctors, researchers, and students who genuinely want to support them.

These conversations facilitate community dialogues, and when people see health workers and students who understand their cultural background and take the time to listen, this makes a real difference.

CARM holds webinars, community education sessions, and outreach through its website to improve understanding of kidney health, regenerative medicine, and organ donation in Black communities. CARM also teaches people about regenerative medicine. This is a new area of science that focuses on helping the body heal itself. It includes stem-cell treatments, gene therapy, and even the possibility of curing diseases like sickle cell one day. Many Black families are not always given clear information about these treatments, even though they could help with diseases that affect Black communities the most.

Another important part of CARM’s work is making sure ACB youth see themselves in health careers. Many young people do not know that they can become researchers, doctors, or leaders in regenerative medicine. CARM encourages them to explore these paths early by having Black students be that representation, so the future healthcare system can include more Black voices.

Most of all, CARM shows how powerful it is when communities come together. Black-led organizations play a special role because they understand the culture, history, and everyday experiences of the people they serve. They create care that feels welcoming, respectful, and connected and contribute to reducing ongoing inequities in healthcare.

References

1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/bone-marrow-transplant/in-depth/stem-cells/art-20048117
2. https://carmnetwork.ca/
3. https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/news/2023/09/government-of-canada-supports-improved-access-to-living-organ-donation-among-marginalized-communities-in-canada.html
4. https://www.blood.ca/en/about-us/media/newsroom/canadian-blood-services-ongoing-efforts-build-more-inclusive-blood-system