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Honoring and acknowledging the “Living History Makers” program for their commitment to breaking the traditional barriers amongst African American organ donors on the occasion of Black History Month.
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WHEREAS, February represents Black History Month and, every year we celebrate noteworthy African Americans who have made their mark in shaping our society. National Donor Day (celebrated annually on Valentine’s Day February 14th) also provides the opportunity for exposure around the critical issue of minority organ donation; and
WHEREAS, While African Americans are 12% of the United States population, they currently represent 35% of the patients awaiting kidney transplants. Traditionally African-Americans are at high risk for many illnesses, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, which all can lead to the need for an organ transplant; and
WHEREAS, Nationally, organ donation among African Americans continues to lag behind the mainstream and that is consistent throughout the Commonwealth. African Americans refuse organ donation two to three times more often than the mainstream. We know that these lower numbers are a result of institutional distrust of the healthcare system, cultural misperceptions and a host of other factors; and
WHEREAS, The Living History Makers program seeks to break the barriers for African organ donation through education, outreach and personal statements from experienced minority organ donors. In the spirit of Black History Month, the program has been launched during the month of February so to celebrate the history that African Americans can and do make every day by giving life as organ donors and living life as recipients; and
WHEREAS, Organ donation is one of the single most life-saving acts anyone can pursue particularly for persons of color who need help the most and donate the least. In an effort to increase African American participation, The Living History Maker program seeks to bring this statement to life to the African American community in a meaningful way; now therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Honors and acknowledges the “Living History Makers” program for their commitment to breaking the traditional barriers amongst African American organ donors during Black History Month.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to David Brown from the Living History Makers as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.
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