African-American Pastors Preach Organ and Tissue Donation

Thanks to the support of pastors at more than 35 Houston-area African-American churches, thousands of Houstonians now are more knowledgeable about the importance of organ and tissue donation.

Congregations at churches such as Mt. Sinai Baptist Church recently heard a pro-donation message during Houston’s recognition of National Donor Sabbath, a weekend of activities to promote the cause of organ and tissue donation. The effort, organized locally by LifeGift Organ Donation Center and part of activities held nationwide at hundreds of U.S. churches, seeks to inform congregations about the critical shortage of organs and tissue for individuals needing life-saving transplants.

"The African-American community often looks to the pulpit for guidance on personal issues such as organ and tissue donation," said Rev. Lamon Atkins Sr., director of LifeGift’s African-American Clergy Outreach Program and pastor of Progressive New Hope Baptist Church. "With more than 1,600 people locally waiting on that life-saving transplant and one-quarter of those African-American, it is crucial that we spread the word."

As Rev. Atkins made the rounds of churches on Sunday morning, Nov. 11, he quoted Scripture to challenge the congregants.

"We must remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that it is more blessed to give than to receive. We’re certainly all willing to receive an organ transplant if we need one, but are we willing to give when called to do so?" he said.

The United Network for Organ Sharing reports that African-Americans nationally make up nearly one-third of individuals awaiting an organ; one in every nine donors is African-American.

LifeGift also partnered with the Diocese of Galveston-Houston to promote the organ and tissue donation message in Catholic churches. In addition, Several LifeGift volunteers coordinated efforts at close to 10 other Houston-area churches.

LifeGift Organ Donation Center recovers tissues and organs for individuals needing transplants in 109 Texas counties.

For more information about organ and tissue donation and a free donor card, call LifeGift at 1-800-633-6562 or log on to http://www.lifegift.org.

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©2006 Texas Medical Center

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