Exploring the Option of Becoming an Organ Donor

WHEREAS, more than 121,000 people in the United States are on waiting lists to receive an organ transplant and another name is added every 10 minutes; and

WHEREAS, twenty-two people die every day from the lack of available organs for transplant and one deceased donor can save as many as eight lives through organ donations; and

WHEREAS, the need for organ transplants is rapidly growing among the African-American community as 30% of those currently waiting for an organ donation are African-American ; and

WHEREAS, African Americans have higher rates of diabetes and high blood pressure, which increases their risk of organ failure. African Americans make up 13% of the population, 34% of those waiting for a kidney, and 25% of those waiting for a heart; and

WHEREAS, there is no cost to the donor or their family for them to become an organ donor; and

WHEREAS, persons wishing to become organ donors usually may register at the Office of Motor Vehicles and may also sign up online; and

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the NAACP Health Committees should be proactive in advocating organ donation and educating others to the alarming facts about organ donations within the African-American community; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People decrees April 16th as National Organ Donation Day!