Increasing Organ, Eye and Tissue Donation Awareness in Hispanic/Latinx Communities
Posted on Sep. 14, 2021 / Diversity & Inclusion / Subscribe 0
By Erika Flores, Public Affairs Coordinator, LifeLink Foundation & PRSA Tampa Bay D&I committee member
LifeLink of Florida will launch a social media campaign during Hispanic Heritage Month to inform Hispanic and Latinx communities about the importance of organ, eye, and tissue donation. Several public relations tactics will be used to increase awareness and provide more patients with the gift that could save their lives. Throughout the national observance, September 15 – October 15, on the LifeLink of Florida Facebook, LifeLink will:
- Educate about the organ and tissue donation process through an animated video in Spanish
- Highlight stories of Hispanic/Latinx organ recipients and donor families
- Celebrate Hispanic/Latinx organ and tissue donation professionals throughout the United States
- Host a livestream in Spanish about diabetes prevention and management
- Feature historical places and stories in our own backyard such as Ybor City
- Share suggestions for spreading the donate life message through family discussions, social media messaging and promotion of the Donate Life Florida vehicle tag
LifeLink of Florida serves 15 counties in West Central Florida and works with community partners to facilitate and honor the decisions of organ and tissue donors who give the gift of life. LifeLink also supports donor families and provides hope to patients waiting for organ and tissue transplants.
More than 4,800 Floridians are awaiting lifesaving organ transplants and countless others will benefit from tissue donations. While everyone has the potential to save and enhance lives through organ, eye, and tissue donation by registering to become a donor, multicultural communities make up 60% of the over 100,000 people in the United States waiting for organ transplants. In addition, multicultural groups including Hispanic/Latin suffer from diseases at higher rates than their Caucasian counterparts which could put them at greater risk for needing transplants.
LifeLink staff focus on building trust to increase donor education and registration over time. To better understand Hispanic and Latinx communities in the area, the staff analyzed donor registration data and secondary research materials. Hispanic/Latinx individuals in the area are largely of Cuban and Puerto Rican descent as well as Mexican and other Central American nationalities. While these communities have shared values, they also pride themselves on their individuality. Hispanic/Latinx people in the area include people who were born in the United States or other countries, and those who are bilingual or Spanish language dominant. Some are U.S. Citizens, some are permanent residents, and some are undocumented immigrants.
Hispanic/Latinx understanding of organ and tissue donation in our local area could be determined by their country of origin. In addition, while some younger generations might support donation, the importance of the family and elders’ perceptions of donation could sway a family member not to register as a donor or decline donation for a deceased loved one.
Follow LifeLink of Florida throughout Hispanic Heritage Month and beyond on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube to help share the message of donation.
You can register as an organ, eye, and tissue donor at www.LifeLinkFoundation.org. Be sure and tell your family and friends about the personal decision to save lives.
#DonateLife #DoneVida
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