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During August, Illinois is joining states throughout the nation
in using this opportunity to create awareness about organ
donation as well as healthy lifestyles in racial and ethnic
minority communities. The hope is to reverse the trend that
finds minorities dominating the organ transplant list, perhaps
by addressing skepticism over the process.
“My life was changed because someone said yes to organ tissue
donation, and I was one of the beneficiaries of that gift,”
former Tampa Bay Buccaneers player Bobby Howard told The Center
Square. “I was on dialysis for a little over seven months, and a
received a call that there was a match for me.”
Yet Howard understands the waiting list is heavily composed of
African Americans, Hispanics and Asians. He estimates 60% of
those on the waiting list in Illinois are ethnic and racial
minorities, like the national average. African Americans are
taking the lead at 36%, followed by Hispanics at 22% and Asians
at 6% on the state’s waiting list of about 400.
He notes that this special month is helping to address
skepticism that may be curtailing the numbers of minorities who
register to donate organs.
“We need to encourage and empower people to make the decision
that’s best for them and their families,” Howard said.
Howard promotes awareness as acting chairman of the National
Multicultural Action Group and director with LifeLink of
Georgia.
“We have a national website – registerme.org – that people can
go on and register their decision. So, it’s very easy to
donate,” he said. “But the lack of information that’s being
disseminated to communities is a big barrier.”
He said the campaign started as one special awareness day but
has grown over the last 25-plus years to meet its goal.
“For the past four years, it’s been the whole month of August
that this is a celebration, not only to encourage but a
celebration of life. We want to highlight those who have
received, and we also want to highlight those who are waiting.”
Those interested in donating in Illinois can visit
LifeGoesOn.com.
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