Event In Newark Will Raise Awareness For National Minority Donor Awareness Month

NEWARK, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of NJ Sharing Network. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.

National Minority Donor Awareness Month, celebrated each August, honors the generosity of multicultural organ and tissue donors and their families, while underscoring the critical need for diverse communities to register as donors. NJ Sharing Network (NJSN), the federally designated nonprofit organization dedicated to saving and enhancing lives through organ and tissue donation, is leading a series of awareness efforts throughout the month, including free community events and the sharing of inspirational local stories. As part of National Minority Donor Awareness Month, NJ Sharing Network’s website (www.NJSharingNetwork.org) and social media channels will feature powerful donor and recipient stories and promote opportunities to participate in local events.

The centerpiece of this year’s efforts will be Live Healthy & Move — free, family-friendly community event taking place Saturday, August 23 (Time: 11 AM to 3 PM), in Vailsburg Park, 694-736 South Orange Avenue, Newark.

Live Healthy & Move is designed to promote wellness and highlight the power of organ and tissue donation. Attendees can take advantage of free health screenings, fitness activities, healthy eating tips, and local community resources. The events will also feature live music, performances, interactive activities for all ages, and information on how to register as an organ and tissue donor. As part of NJSN’s Back-to-School Drive, school supplies will be distributed to students in grades K-12 at the event.

Newark resident E. Denise Peoples, Senior Manager of Community Services at NJ Sharing Network and a double-lung transplant recipient, is a powerful voice for organ and tissue donation. Denise promotes the organization’s lifesaving mission in local schools, faith-based organizations, and community associations.

“Live Healthy & Move is one of the many ways our NJ Sharing Network team shows appreciation and gives back to the communities we serve,” said Peoples. “These events create meaningful opportunities for our team members, volunteers, and supporters to engage directly with local residents. We are excited to bring this popular event to Newark this summer thanks to the generous support of our community partners.”

According to the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), nearly 4,000 New Jersey residents are currently waiting for a lifesaving transplant — 67% of whom are people of color. One organ and tissue donor can save eight lives and enhance the lives of over 75 people.

“Within our communities of color, we have all seen how health issues such as hypertension, diabetes, and kidney failure have impacted those around us - our mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles, friends, and neighbors,” said Peoples. “That’s why the need for organ and tissue donation and transplant is especially urgent in our communities. By raising awareness, we can ensure more families have the opportunity to receive the gift of life.”

To learn more, get involved, or register as an organ and tissue donor, please visit www.NJSharingNetwork.org

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