National Donor Sabbath is an annual event held two weekends before Thanksgiving to coincide with the Season of Giving. While religious leaders can make the decision to raise awareness about organ and tissue donation at any time of the year, this national observance gives them an opportunity to affirm their support for organ and tissue donation.
“My religion does not support donation” is one of the most commonly cited reasons why individuals say “no” to organ and tissue donation.
In reality, though, all major religions in the United States support donation and by participating in National Donor Sabbath, religious leaders can share their support for donation to their congregations. Furthermore, surveys have shown that religious leaders are an important part of the organ and tissue donation decision process.
Supported locally by Lifeline of Ohio, National Donor Sabbath is anticipated to be observed in more than 100 congregations in central and Southeastern Ohio. Lifeline of Ohio encourages faith leaders to participate at any level to help educate their members on organ and tissue donation. Religious leaders may request bulletin inserts, informational brochures (which are all available in English or Spanish), church fans, green ribbon lapel awareness pins, and Donate Life bookmarks.
For a visual impact, awareness posters, a display booth, and a Donor Memorial Quilt may also be requested. All of these materials are free of charge and are available at any time throughout the year.
