Special to the Journal

Carolina Donor Services, the organ and tissue recovery agency for 79 counties in North Carolina and one county in Virginia, is aiming to increase public understanding of the need for organ and tissue donation with a campaign involving churches and religious groups called National Donor Sabbath.

This year, Donor Sabbath weekend will be observed November 15-17. During this weekend, clergy are encouraged to help raise awareness of the need for organ and tissue donation within their own congregations.

Carolina Donor Services is dedicated to improving lives by increasing organ and tissue donation. Last year, almost 700 North Carolinians received the life-saving gift of an organ donation, but there were still 225 North Carolinians who died waiting to receive a transplant because there were not enough organs available.

Currently almost 80,000 Americans are waiting for a transplant and every 16 minutes a new name is added to the national wait list.

For some people, their reluctance to become an organ or tissue donor stems from misconceptions that their religion does not support donation. However, only two religions-followers of Gypsy ideals and Shinto doctrine-are opposed to donation.

All other religions either encourage organ donation or support the individual's right to decide about donation.

Carolina Donor Services provides free resources including sample sermons, bulletin/program inserts, donor cards, and speakers to help clergy members deliver the message of the importance of organ and tissue donation.

Interested churches and organizations should call 1-800-200-2672 to request a Donor Sabbath order form.

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