Banner illustration with colorful buildings and a large sunflower, promoting organ and tissue donation:'Give Life To Your Community' and 'Register as an organ and tissue donor at NJSN.org'.August is National Minority Donor Awareness Month

Every registered organ and tissue donor has the power to give life to their community.

While most racial and ethnic groups in the U.S. donate at rates that reflect their share of the population, the need for transplants is especially high in some communities. This is often due to higher rates of health conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes—two leading causes of kidney failure.

A greater diversity of donors may potentially increase access to transplantation for everyone.

This August, we're asking New Jerseyans from every community to take one simple step: register as an organ and tissue donor.

Chris Bryant, kidney and pancreas transplant recipient, shares an inspiring message about the importance of organ and tissue donation, the need for more registered donors in diverse communities, and how saying "yes" can give hope to those waiting for a lifesaving transplant.

Why it's Important

Multicultural Communities in Donation and Transplantation...

  • Make up over 60% of people currently on the U.S. transplant waiting list.
  • Make up 50% of people who received organ transplants in 2025.
  • Make up 33% of deceased and living organ donors in 2025.
  • 27% of people waiting for lifesaving organ transplants nationally are African American.
  • 23% of people waiting for lifesaving organ transplants nationally are Hispanic/Latino.
  • African Americans are nearly four times more likely to develop end-stage kidney disease than Caucasians while Hispanics/Latinos are more than twice as likely.

Know the facts

  • People of all ages and medical histories should consider themselves potential donors
  • The decision to be an organ donor will in no way affect the level of medical care for a sick or injured person.
  • Organs are matched according to medical need, compatibility and location. A patient’s income, race or social status is never taken into account.
  • Most religions support organ donation and consider it the greatest gift a person can give. 
  • One organ and tissue donor can save 8 lives and enhance the lives of over 75 others. 

Double lung transplant recipient E. Denise Peoples shares how her transplant gave her a second chance at life and encourages others not to let myths or misconceptions prevent them from registering as organ and tissue donors. 

Give Back to Your Community 

Back-To-School Supplies Drive

NJ Sharing Network is excited to host a Back-To-School Supplies Drive to support New Jersey students in need. Your contributions will be distributed at our upcoming Live Healthy & Move event and in schools across the state. 

To participate, purchase supplies or any items using the link below through August 5.

To contribute, please click here.

Join us for Live Healthy & Move! 

Date: August 8, 2026
Time: 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Location: Vera Ames Community Park

NJ Sharing Network’s Live Healthy & Move free community event offers a full day of family fun with a focus on physical and mental fitness. The event features health screenings, tips on healthy eating, information on local resources, and details on the power of organ and tissue donation. Attendees of all ages also enjoy great music, performances, and activities for both children and adults.

Girl in a Scooby-Doo shirt jumps rope while others watch at an outdoor event on a sunny day.

When Dilip Patel passed away unexpectedly, his family found comfort in honoring the decision he had shared with them. Today, his generosity continues to help others through organ and tissue donation.

Help spread the word in your community!

Print and hang flyers in local restaurants, shops, and other neighborhood spots. Don’t forget to share photos of your posters on social media!

Printable Materials 
Sunflower growing through a cracked street with bold white and yellow text about organ donation awareness and a call to donate life in New Jersey.
Sunflower growing from a cracked city street with Spanish text promoting organ donation awareness; includes NJ Sharing Network logos and a QR code.
Social Media Graphics

You can encourage others to register as organ and tissue donors by downloading and sharing our graphics on your Facebook, Linkedin and Instagram pages. Sample text for your posts is also included below. 

Sunflower growing through cracked pavement in a city street, with bold banner text promoting National Minority Donor Awareness Month and organ donation in New Jersey.
Sunflower growing through cracked street in a city, with bold Spanish text urging organ donation and community support.

Facebook & Instagram Posts

Sample posts to accompany graphics  

  • August is National Minority Donor Awareness Month. Over 60% of those waiting for a lifesaving transplant in New Jersey are people of color. Get the facts and register as an organ and tissue donor today at www.NJSharingNetwork.org. 
  • August is National Minority Donor Awareness Month. A greater diversity of donors increases access to transplantation for everyone. Learn more and register as an organ and tissue donor today at www.NJSharingNetwork.org.