Selma Links chapter to promote organ donation on National Donor Sabbath

The Selma (AL) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated will observe National Donor Sabbath on Nov. 15 with faith leaders to promote organ, eye, and tissue donation in an effort to save lives.

“Every day, 17 people die waiting for an organ transplant,” said Dr. Patricia Kendrick Robinson, President of the Selma Chapter. “One donor can save up to eight lives. National Donor Sabbath is a powerful opportunity to share this message of hope and encourage our community to act.”

Chapter members will share information with these local churches: Freedom Baptist, First Baptist Church, John the Baptist Missionary Church, Hickory Grove Baptist Church, Antioch Baptist Church, Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church, Lily Grove Baptist Church and Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church.

They will discuss registering as an organ donor and "common myths" about donation with the goal of inspiring residents to make decisions that could save their lives, said a press release from the chapter.

They will highlight Linkages to Life®, which is a program by The Links to educate communities, especially those that are African American, about organ, tissue, and bone marrow donation to reduce health disparities and increase donor registration rates.

"African Americans are almost four times more likely to experience kidney failure than White Americans," states the press release. "There are currently over 90,000 individuals nationwide waiting for a kidney transplant, making kidneys the most in-demand organ."

"While dialysis provides short-term support for many patients, receiving a transplant offers the greatest hope for long-term health and a better quality of life. Increasing the number of registered kidney donors—both deceased and living—can significantly reduce wait times and save countless lives."

Registration for the event can be done at a local Department of Motor Vehicles or go to RegisterMe.org/LinkagestoLife. For more information, visit www.organdonor.gov.