National Donor Sabbath

National Donor Sabbath - Nov. 11-13

FACT:  All major faiths and denominations in the U.S. support both living and deceased donation.

Each year since 1997, two weekends before Thanksgiving, faith groups across the country raise awareness about the precious gift of organ and tissue donation in observance of National Donor Sabbath.

In past years, National Donor Sabbath focused on education and donor registration. Yet while the number of registered donors is at an all-time high (100 million Americans,) the transplant waiting list keeps growing. Therefore, it is critical that we also emphasize the importance of living organ donation.

In 2011, American Transplant Foundation will take a new approach by working with faith groups during National Donor Sabbath to spread the word that living organ donation is viable option to address the national shortage of transplant organs.

Information about National Donor Sabbath events

• Events will take place on November 11th, 12th, and 13th.
• Any group of any faith or denomination can participate.
• Participating faith leaders will discuss both living and deceased donation with their congregations.
• Faith groups are encouraged to do more, such as hold candle-light vigils, prayer breakfasts, faith education classes, or sponsor a transplant patient family in need of emergency assistance through American Transplant Foundation’s Patient Assistance Program.

For more information and to learn how to participate, please view our one-page info sheet for faith leaders.

With questions or to sign-up, email Kyle Pietari at kyle@americantransplantfoundation.org or call (303) 757-0959.

For more information about the national event, the positions of different faiths on organ and tissue donation, and what participants can do during the event, view the Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA) resource guide.

National Donor Sabbath is coordinated by Donate Life America.

Participating Groups

Augustana Lutheran Church – Denver, CO

 Burns Memorial United Methodist Church – Aurora, CO

 The Crossing Church of the Nazarene – Westminster, CO

 Fellowship of the Rockies – Rifle, CO

 First Presbyterian Church – Glenwood Springs, CO

 First United Methodist Church – Glenwood Springs, CO

 Green Mountain United Methodist Church – Lakewood, CO

 The Orchard Church at Carbondale – Carbondale, CO