National Multiethnic Awareness Month
National Multiethnic Donor Awareness Month
National Multiethnic Donor Awareness Month takes place each August and is a time dedicated to saving and improving lives in diverse communities by advocating for those awaiting a lifesaving transplant and by creating a positive culture for organ, eye and tissue donation. 75% of people waiting in for a lifesaving transplant in the greater New York City area are people of color. Because of this, the initiative focuses on healthy living habits that may prevent the need for an organ transplant while also raising awareness about the power of donation to save and heal lives in multiethnic communities.
Throughout the month, LiveOnNY is asking partners to share diverse stories of transplant recipients and heroic organ donors to show the transformative impact donation has on people and their families. We encourage all to learn more about organ, eye and tissue donation and to have conversations with their loved ones about their wishes. Together we can use our kindness and generosity to improve health outcomes in our communities.
Email Message
August marks National Multiethnic Donor Awareness Month, an initiative dedicated to saving and improving lives in diverse communities by creating a positive culture for organ, eye and tissue donation. 75% of those waiting in the greater New York City area for a lifesaving organ transplant are people of color. Because of this, the initiative focuses on healthy living habits that may prevent the need for an organ transplant while also raising awareness about the power of donation in multiethnic communities.
Below are some important facts about donation that impact communities of color:
- In the greater New York City area, 75% of the transplant waiting list is comprised of people of color, 89% of whom are awaiting a kidney transplant.
- Diabetes and high blood pressure are the leading causes of kidney failure in people of African descent.
- In 2021, 68% of those who received a lifesaving organ transplant in the greater New York City area were people of color.
- While people of color are more likely to need a lifesaving transplant, we are less likely to choose organ donation as part of our final wishes.
This month, take time to have a conversation about your wishes with your family. Together we can improve health outcomes in our communities. For more information about organ, eye and tissue donation, visit LiveOnNY.org.
Social Media Graphics and Content
Social Graphics: Download Social Graphics in English, Chinese and Spanish.
Suggested Social Media Copy:
National Multiethnic Donor Awareness Week began in 1996 to bring heightened awareness to donation and transplantation in communities of color. #NMDAM #LiveOnNY
The majority of individuals waiting for kidneys are people of color. Americans who are African American/Black or Hispanic/Latinx are more likely to have kidney failure compared to White Americans. #NMDAM #LiveOnNY
75% of the transplant waiting list in the greater New York City area is comprised of people of color. Organ donation can improve health outcomes for our communities. #NMDAM #LiveOnNY
This #NMDAM it's important to start a conversation with your loved ones about your decision to become an #organdonor. This will ensure they know your commitment and will feel comforted by honoring it. #LiveOnNY
Video Assets
Additional Resources
Social Media Graphics - Spanish
Social Media Graphics - Chinese
LiveOnNY Fact Sheet - Spanish
Email Messaging - Chinese
Looking for additional information? E-mail us at communication@liveonny.org and you will be directed to the appropriate contact for planning and activation.