Donate Life America Dispels Myths About Organ & Tissue Donation Among Hispanics During National Hispanic Heri...( September 15 to...),Health

September 15 to October 15, 2007

RICHMOND, Va., Aug. 30 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- While nearly 4,000 Hispanics received the gift of life through organ and tissue donation in 2006, strongly held myths regarding donation continue to be the major barrier preventing many Hispanics from becoming organ and tissue donors. In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, Donate Life America will address these myths and encourage the Hispanic community, long celebrated for its zest for life, to get the facts, visit http://www.donevida.org and give a gift that extends life to others.

"A vibrant community like ours, with an amazing love for life, should be one of the primary supporters of donation," says Aisha Huertas, Public Outreach & Marketing Coordinator for Donate Life America. "We need to get informed about organ and tissue donation, let go of our fears, and designate a donation decision. Each person that makes a decision could save or enhance the lives of over 50 people. That makes a huge difference."

One of the greatest misconceptions that prevent Hispanics from making the decision to donate life is the belief that doctors in an emergency room situation will not work as hard to save the life of a person who has indicated a wish to be a donor.

"Doctors take an oath to save lives," continues Huertas. "The life of a donor is no less important than the life of a recipient."

Additional misconceptions are rooted in a mistrust of the organ donation process and allocation system. Many Hispanics feel that the rich get preferential treatment. They do not trust that their organs will be allocated to the person most in need. Donate Life America seeks to educate Hispanics on the allocation process to emphasize that one's celebrity or financial status does not play a part in the decision. Allocation is based on a variety of medical and logistical factors including blood type, size
'/>"/>