Celebrate National Donor Sabbath at Your Place of Worship
In November, two weekends before Thanksgiving, religious communities across the nation will celebrate National Donor Sabbath. This annual celebration gives religious leaders and their congregations the opportunity to show support for organ, eye and tissue donation. Studies show that people seek advice from their faith leaders to help them make the decision concerning organ, eye and tissue donation. For this reason, it is vitally important that all religious organizations have the information they need to educate and encourage their congregation to register as a donor.
There are many myths about organ donation that prevent people from registering their donation decision. Some individuals believe that donation is against their religion, when in fact, all major religions in the U.S. support organ, eye and tissue donation. For more specific information on various religions’ point of view, click here. Additionally, people are concerned they cannot donate due to health challenges or their current health status. It is important to note anyone of any age and any health status can register to be an organ, eye and tissue donor. Health professionals will make a determination at the time of death as to what organs and/or tissues can be donated.
The sad truth is that 18 men, women and children die each day in the U.S. because a transplant didn’t come in time. One Ohioan dies every other day while waiting for a transplant. However, one single donor can save the lives of up to eight people and heal more than 50 by donating vital organs and tissue.
Lifeline of Ohio makes it very easy to get involved by offering free materials such as: bookmarks, bulletin inserts, posters, sample sermons, sample hymns and brochures and more. For more information or to request materials, any time of the year, please contact Lauren Fitting at 614-384-7333 or lfitting@lifelineofohio.org.