National Donor Sabath: November 9-11, 2012

National Donor Sabbath – Nov. 9-11

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

Every 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 took 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. This year, we would like to continue our work to promote transplant awareness with faith groups.

Information about National Donor Sabbath events

• Events will take place on November 9^th, 10^th, and 11^th.
• 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. (https://www.americantransplantfoundation.org/programs/pap/)

For more information or to learn how you can get involved in your community, please contact Adrianne Hipsher at: adrianne@americantransplant.org.