There are over 100,000 people currently on the national transplant waiting list. In Texas, more than 40% of the people on the transplant waiting list are Hispanic.
The need for organ donation and transplantation is higher in minority communities where there tend to be higher rates of diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease, which contribute to organ failure. Transplants can be successful regardless of the race or ethnicity of the donor and recipient; however, the chance of longer-term survival may be greater if the donor and recipient share a similar genetic background.
That is why the Texas Organ Sharing Alliance (TOSA) works with over 140 hospital partners, community leaders, and volunteers dedicated to organ donation and its life-saving possibilities.
TOSA is a nonprofit organization that serves 56 counties across the state, accounting for 7 million Texans. Our organization was established 49 years ago to serve organ donation needs from Waco to the Rio Grande Valley (RGV).
Alongside Donate Life Texas (DLT), the state’s official tissue, eye, and organ donor registry, TOSA promotes the donor registry and educates at events in the RGV and across the state. This allows TOSA to speak to those hesitant to sign up by answering questions and combating misconceptions and misinformation.
TOSA’s efforts in the RGV intend to create a positive culture for organ donation in the community to make a difference in the lives of those waiting for a transplant, which is essential for successful organ transplants in our community.
“Our organization works with compassion, dignity, and respect to stay true to our mission of saving lives through the power of organ donation,” said TOSA President & CEO Joseph Nespral. “We strive to continue educating and expanding our reach to the Rio Grande Valley to change the conversation around organ donation.”
Texas Organ Sharing Alliance understands there is strength in numbers and knows the difference that more Hispanics saying yes to organ donation would mean for the RGV community. The gift of life benefits an organ recipient and helps grieving families find special meaning, comfort, and honor as we memorialize their loved one’s generous gift. Learn the facts about organ donation and consider being the change in the RGV community by signing up as an organ donor at TOSA1.org.
