Hispanics across Country to Be Recognized for Life-Saving Contributions

September 8, 2005

RICHMOND VA -- (BUSINESS WIRE) -- As the nation celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month, the Coalition on Donation and its membership of over 100 organizations will be acknowledging Hispanics who have made life-saving contributions through organ/tissue donation and transplantation.

"During this month, we honor all of the Hispanics in the nation who have made life-saving and enhancing gifts, and who have contributed to our society as a result of donation and transplantation," said G. David Fleming, the Coalition on Donation's executive director. "It is our hope that their acts of generosity and their accomplishments are both recognized and emulated by others so that more lives will be saved."

September 15th through October 15th, coalitions and organizations across the country will be recognizing Hispanic heroes in their local communities who are committed to making a difference in the lives of the nearly 90,000 people on the national organ transplant waiting list, of which 15% (13,706) are Hispanic. Among these unsung heroes are Hispanic donors and their families, transplant recipients, transplant surgeons, healthcare professionals, community leaders, and volunteers. But more heroes are needed. Last year alone, over 800 Hispanics died waiting for a life-saving organ transplant.

The Coalition on Donation and its membership also aim to foster the community's awareness and understanding of organ and tissue donation and dispel misconceptions held by Hispanics that may impede the donation process.

"The facts are that if faced with a medical emergency, all efforts to save a life will be exhausted and death must be legally declared before donation is discussed with the family; all major religions support donation; there is no cost for donation; and donation does not interfere with funeral arrangements," stated Stacy Underwood, chairperson of the Coalition on Donation's Hispanic Campaign Committee.

For Spanish-speaking communities needing more information about organ and tissue donation, the Coalition on Donation developed the Done Vida(SM) campaign which offers a Spanish-language brochure and website (www.donevida.org). The free brochure can be obtained by calling 1-800-485-VIDA, a toll-free number operated by Spanish speakers, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Additional information on the Coalition on Donation, local coalitions, and national members can be accessed at www.donatelife.net.

Hispanic Donation and Transplantation National Statistics

In 2005:

As of August 12th, there are 88,755 persons on the national organ transplant waiting list.

Of these, 15% (13,706) are Hispanic.

• 10,441 Hispanics await a kidney transplant
• 2,692 Hispanics await a liver transplant
• 99 Hispanics await a pancreas transplant
• 247 Hispanics await a kidney/pancreas transplant
• 267 Hispanics await a heart transplant
• 168 Hispanics await a lung transplant
• 17 Hispanics await a heart/lung transplant
• 32 Hispanics await an intestinal transplant

In 2004:

• Of 7,150 deceased donors, 949 were Hispanic (approximately 13%)
• Of 7,004 living donors, 878 were Hispanic (approximately 12%)
• 27,036 persons received organ transplants. Of these, 3,256 were Hispanic (approximately 12%)
• 6,577 persons died while waiting for an organ transplant. Of these, 882 were Hispanic (approximately 13%)

Based on OPTN data as of August 12, 2005

Information per state can be found at the UNOS Web site at www.unos.org. Under the data section, click data request.

Copyright © 2005 Business Wire.

This article posted September 26, 2005.