For More Information Contact:
Erich Kirshner
The Bawmann Group
(303) 320-7790
erich@morethanpr.com
SHORTAGE OF LATINO DONORS LEADS TO WAITING LIST FOR ORGAN TRANSPLANTS
Hispanics are being urged to register to be organ and tissue donors
DENVER – September 15, 2006 – Hundreds of Latinos in Colorado are currently waiting for an organ
transplant. Sixty percent of those are waiting for a kidney. Because of diseases like diabetes and end stage
renal disease, the need for organ transplants in this community continues to rise. The growing organ waiting list
has prompted health and Latino leaders to urge the Latino community to register to be organ and tissue donors.
“I encourage Latinos throughout the state to join me as a registered organ and tissue donor and one who
recognizes the value of giving the gift of life,” stated U.S. Senator Ken Salazar. “Annually, only 15 percent of the
transplants that occur in Colorado are received by a member of the Latino community. This is largely due to the
fact that in most cases, organs are more likely to be successfully matched within the same ethnic community,
and the Latino community has a significant shortage of registered donors.”
In a joint effort to increase access to information about organ and tissue donation and dispel many of the myths
surrounding donation, Donor Alliance and the American Transplant Foundation are partnering with the American
Diabetes Association to encourage people to talk to their families about donation during Hispanic Heritage
Month, September 15th to October 15th. The groups are co-sponsoring an informational booth at the Fiesta de
las Patrias, Mexican Independence Day, event at Civic Center Park on Sunday, September 17, 2006 from 11
a.m. to 7 p.m.
By the end of this year, it is expected that more than 100 new Latinos will be added to the Colorado organ
transplant waiting list. This is due to the increased need for organs and the fact that on average Latinos say yes
to donation less frequently than other ethnic groups.
“It is our focus during Hispanic Heritage Month to encourage the Latino community to talk about organ and
tissue donation with their families,” noted Sue Dunn, CEO of Donor Alliance. “We are concerned that the need
for organs in this community continues to rise at a faster rate than we are able to get people transplanted. We
want Latinos in our state to be empowered to make a decision to donate and have their wishes honored.”
Heidi Heltzel, executive director of the American Transplant Foundation said, “Developing and promoting
targeted education and awareness programs for the Latino community is a valuable service that we are proud to
play a role in delivering. Through these efforts we will be able to affect more positive outcomes for the health
and welfare of the Latino community.”
For more information on organ and tissue donation, please visit donoralliance.org or
americantransplantfoundation.org. To register as a donor please visit ColoradoDonorRegistry.org or call (303)
329-4747 or, toll-free, 1-888-256-4386.
###
About Donor Alliance
Donor Alliance is the federally designated non-profit organ procurement organization serving Colorado and most of Wyoming. As a
recognized leader in facilitating the donation and recovery of transplantable organs and tissues, Donor Alliance’s primary objectives are to
save and enhance the lives of others. To achieve these objectives, Donor Alliance employs an effective family approach and recovery
programs in over 100 hospitals, and increases the awareness of the need for organ and tissue donation through public awareness and
education campaigns in its service area. For more information, please visit www.DonorAlliance.org.
About American Transplant Foundation
The American Transplant Foundation is a national 501©3 non-profit organization that strives to eliminate our country’s shortage of human
transplant organs. Based in Denver, Colorado, the American Transplant Foundation is participating in coordinated collaborative efforts to
promote the advancement of organ transplants. By promoting awareness, developing better publicly supported legislation and increasing
funding for research and science, the Foundation’s efforts will facilitate elimination of the gap between the critical demand for organs and
their supply, thus saving lives every day. For more information please visit www.AmericanTransplantFoundation.org.
Register to be an organ and tissue donor this Hispanic Heritage Month!
What: Fiestas de las Patrias – Mexican Independence Day Festival
When: Sunday, September 17, 2006; 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Where: Civic Center Park – Non-profit area (Main Promenade, south of Seal Pond)
Please stop by the Donor Alliance and American Transplant Foundation booths for more information
about organ and tissue donation and for free giveaways!