Sierra Donor Services Recognizes Black History Month: Honoring the Community
WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Sierra Donor Services (SDS), the nonprofit organ procurement organization[MC1] dedicated to saving and enhancing lives through organ, eye and tissue donation, is proud to join the national conversation recognizing Black History Month throughout the month of February. This year, we honor the selfless efforts and life-saving decisions donors and[MC2] their families make to give the gift of life by reaffirming our commitment to equality, inclusivity and addressing the critical need for diverse organ, eye and tissue donors in communities of color. As an organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals in need of life-saving and life-enhancing donations, Sierra Donor Services recognizes the importance of building health equality and community-centered care for everyone.
Throughout February, Sierra Donor Services will shine a spotlight on the significant contributions Black American donors, recipients and advocates have made in advancing and improving the health and well-being of our communities through transplantation. In addition, SDS will raise awareness about the critical need for more donors from communities of color and share educational resources that encourage conversations about donation. These communities are often underrepresented in organ, eye and tissue donation programs, creating challenges in matching patients with compatible donations. Currently, 80% of California’s 20,000 residents waiting for transplants are people of color, highlighting the need and urgency of fostering greater representation in the donation process.
“Black History Month is not only a celebration of achievement, but a reminder of the responsibility we share to ensure equitable access to donation and transplantation,” said Sean Van Slyck, Chief Executive Officer of Sierra Donor Services. “We are committed to listening, learning and working with Black communities to ensure donation and transplantation are accessible, respectful and equitable for all.”
In honoring Black history, Sierra Donor Services reaffirms its commitment to saving and healing lives while advancing a more inclusive future for donation and transplantation. SDS works tirelessly to facilitate the donation of organs, corneas, and tissue, ensuring every gift is treated with the highest level of care and respect. As Sierra Donor Services reflects on over 40 years of impact, the organization remains committed to its mission of saving lives, honoring donors and educating the public.
Be a part of this life-changing legacy. Register today at SierraDonor.org
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About Sierra Donor Services
Founded in 1985, Sierra Donor Services is a federally designated, mission-driven nonprofit organ procurement organization (OPO) dedicated to saving and improving lives through organ, eye and tissue donation. Serving over 2.8 million people across 13 counties in Northern California and Nevada, SDS is part of a collaborative network of organ procurement organizations working to advance donation efforts across California, Tennessee and New Mexico. For more information, or to register as a donor, visit SierraDonor.org.
