August observance highlights the importance of a diverse donor registry and
encourages community conversations about organ, eye, and tissue donation.

COVINGTON, La. — This August, the Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency (LOPA) is proud to recognize National Multicultural Donor Awareness Month, celebrating the diversity that makes Louisiana unique while highlighting the important role every community plays in giving hope through organ, eye, and tissue donation.

The month-long observance also underscores the importance of a diverse donor registry. Although anyone can become an organ, eye, and tissue donor regardless of race or ethnicity, patients are more likely to find compatible donors when the donor registry reflects the diversity of the communities it serves.

Today, multicultural communities represent nearly 60% of patients on the nation’s transplant waiting list.
More than 100,000 people across the United States, including nearly 2,000 Louisianans, are currently waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant. For many patients, finding a compatible donor can take longer, making every registered donor an important part of giving hope to those in need.

“Louisiana has always been defined by the strength of its people and the richness of its cultures,” said Brett Gordon, President and CEO of LOPA. “National Multicultural Donor Awareness Month is an opportunity to celebrate the communities that make our state unique while encouraging conversations that save lives. By learning more, having conversations with our families, and making informed decisions, we can help bring hope to those waiting for a lifesaving transplant.”

Throughout August, LOPA will participate in events across every region of Louisiana, partnering with local hospitals, community organizations, faith leaders, and civic groups to bring education and donor registration opportunities directly into the communities they serve. Community events offer an opportunity to learn more about organ, eye, and tissue donation, hear inspiring stories from donor families and transplant recipients, connect with local advocates, and discover how one person’s decision can save and heal lives.

LOPA invites all Louisianans to attend an event in their community during National Multicultural Donor Awareness Month. For a complete calendar of events and additional information about organ, eye, and tissue donation, visit www.lopa.org. Follow LOPA on social media for event updates and stories throughout the month.

ABOUT LOPA
As the only federally designated organ procurement organization for Louisiana, we help save lives, restore health, and enhance medical care through organ, eye, and tissue donation. We serve our state’s diverse communities by supporting families through tragic loss throughout the donation process and along their grief journey. Our team is passionate about sharing the impact of donation and educating professionals and the community. For our media kit and additional resources, visit www.lopa.org/media.