DONOR SABBATH: Outreach to Faith Communities
 
 
National Donor Sabbath is observed in the month of November, when members of faith communities implement activities to raise awareness of the critical need for organs, tissues, blood and eyes and the miracle of transplantation. This annual interfaith celebration of life stresses the importance of donation. Faith leaders who participate in discussions of donations with their congregants affirm that choosing to donate offers the opportunity to share the greatest blessing of all—the gift of life. Most religions in the United States support donation as an honored and compassionate expression of generosity and love.

Participation in National Donor Sabbath has increased each year, but more individuals must become aware of donation. Our goal is to encourage families all over America to understand the importance of organ donation and to increase the number of donors. People need to talk to their families and share their wishes about donation. Donation is a gift which proves that out of tragedy, hope can be found.

More than 100,000 men, women and children are on the organ transplant waiting list. Donation and transplantation save lives, yet the need for organs, tissues, blood and eyes continue to grow every day.

Examples of how faith communities can recognize National Donor Sabbath include:
 
  • Hold a donor drive to encourage individuals to sign donor cards and discuss their wishes with their families
     
  • Host a donor awareness workshop, prayer breakfast, or health fair with an information display on donation and presentations by living donors, donor families, transplant recipients, patients awaiting transplantation and/or transplant professionals
     
  • Organize a candle-lighting ceremony to honor living and non-living donors, donor families and recipients
     
  • Include donor information in your newsletter, bulletin, website or e-mail
     
  • Discuss organ, tissue, blood and eye donation in sermons and classes
     
  • Invite speakers to address the congregation, including members who want to share their own donation experiences
     
  • Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper about the critical need for donation
     
  • Grassroots approach and town meeting
 
Donor Sabbath Resources
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 

                                               
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