Why organ donation awareness matters in Hispanic communities

Building trust and understanding is essential to our mission.

That’s why attending events like the Cinco de Mayo festival in Sunnyside, Wash., is so important. Understanding why organ donation matters in Hispanic communities starts with creating opportunities for meaningful, face-to-face conversations in welcoming spaces.

Across the country, more than 25,000 Hispanic and Latine patients are currently waiting for a life-saving organ transplant, and nearly 90% are waiting for a kidney. These numbers highlight a critical need — for donors, yes, but also for accessible, culturally relevant information about organ, eye and tissue donation. Language barriers, myths, and lack of awareness can sometimes prevent individuals and families from registering as donors or fully understanding the process.

The family of donor hero BJ Miller stopped by our booth at the Cinco de Mayo festival in Sunnyside, Wash., to show support and snap a photo!

By showing up at community events like Cinco de Mayo, we’re able to meet people where they are — answering questions, listening to concerns and sharing real stories that reflect the impact of donation. These face-to-face conversations help break down misconceptions and empower individuals to make informed decisions that align with their values and beliefs.

Just as important, these events allow us to celebrate community, culture and connection. Building relationships over time fosters trust, which is key to increasing donor registration and ultimately saving more lives. LifeCenter Northwest continues to work toward a future where everyone has the information they need to make informed choices about organ, eye and tissue donation.