TAMPA – (October 26, 2020) – LifeLink^® of Florida invites local faith groups to share the lifesaving message of organ, eye and tissue donation with their congregations during National Donor Sabbath, held annually during November 13-15, 2020. This three-day observance was created by Donate Life America to include the days of worship for all major religions practiced in the United States. During this time faith leaders from different religions, donor families, transplant recipients and donation professionals come together to educate the public about the critical need for donation, the generosity of the gift of life and the importance of registering one’s decision to be an organ, eye and tissue donor.

Currently in the United States over 108,000 men, women and children are waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant and of those 5,200 reside in Florida. Thousands more can be helped through tissue and cornea transplants which improve mobility and can restore sight. Unfortunately, due to the lack of available organs roughly 22 people pass away every day because an organ was not available in time. Research has shown that many individuals are unsure if their religion supports donation however most major religions support the act of saving lives or believe it is up to the individual to decide.

This year, due to COVID-19 and the need for social distancing LifeLink is providing faith groups digital education materials to share with their congregations on social media and is offering virtual donation education presentations. Faith groups can register to participate, download materials and schedule a presentation at www.lifelinkfoundation.org/NDS.

For the thousands of Floridians in need, a transplant provides a second chance and hope for a longer life. Registering to become a donor is easy and only takes a few minutes. LifeLink encourages the public to register and share their donation decision at www.DonateLifeFlorida.org or when obtaining or renewing a driver license.

LifeLink of Florida is the federally designated, non-profit community service organization dedicated to the recovery of organs and tissues for transplantation in west and southwest Florida.  LifeLink can be of assistance with scheduling virtual interviews or webinar presentations to media outlets, local schools, civic groups and businesses on the importance of donation; for more information on LifeLink, or to register as an organ and tissue donor, visit www.LifeLinkFoundation.org.