National Donor Sabbath
National Donor Sabbath (Nov. 15-17) is an annual event which promotes organ/tissue donation at places of worship. Faith leaders, donor families and transplant recipients, as well as donation and transplantation professionals, participate in services and programs to increase awareness about organ and tissue donation. Individuals in faith communities are encouraged to sign up as organ and tissue donors with the state’s organ and tissue donor registry. Register to be a Donor
National Donor Sabbath is observed annually two weekends before Thanksgiving, from Friday through Sunday. This three-day observance seeks to include the days of worship for major religions practiced in the United States. During National Donor Sabbath, faith leaders from many religions, donor families, transplant recipients, and donation and transplantation professionals participate in services and programs to educate the public about the need for the lifesaving and healing gifts passed to others through transplantation, while also encouraging people to register their decision to be an organ, eye and tissue donors.
Clergy encouraged to speak to worshipers about donation the second weekend in November is celebrated as National Donor Sabbath. Clergy are encouraged to talk to their worshipers about the benefits of donation and invite donor families and recipients to share their transplant stories with fellow members. "That is one of the many misconceptions existing about donation, that religious views prevent donation. It's simply not true." If you have a place of worship, please consider spreading this important message in November. For more information, please contact the Secretary of State's office at 800-210-2106.