August 2
City of Orange and NJ Sharing Network partner for
National Minority Donor Awareness Day
to bring attention to special need for organ and tissue donations

National Minority Organ and Tissue Donor Awareness Day takes place each year on August 1st and highlights the critical need for organ and tissue donation in minority communities. This year, NJ Sharing Network sponsored an essay contest in the City of Orange, New Jersey and its summer Recreation Department. To enter the contest, the essay must have been about: a present day African American Physician or Scientist, the topic of dialysis, transplantation or a family member affected by organ and tissue donation. Children ages 6-14 participated and 1st - 3rd place winners received Foot Locker gift certificates as prizes. Announcement of the winners will take place in Orange Park and testimonials will be given by a transplant recipient and a donor family member. Special guest, transplant surgeon Dr. Dorian Wilson from the University of Medicine and Dentistry in Newark, New Jersey will also speak.

This event is just one of the outreach projects the NJ Sharing Network African American Planning Committee coordinates each year. For more information on the planning committee, please call Felicia McNeil at (973) 379-4535 extension 2012.