ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) - Across the nation, more than 100,000 people are in need of an organ transplant. Of that 100,000, more than 3,100 are from Georgia. And nearly two-thirds of those Georgians in need are Black.

Students from Fort Valley State University and Albany State University visited the LifeLink of Georgia Donor Care Unit in Atlanta to see firsthand how organ, eye, and tissue donation works.

Dr. John Williams / Albany State Chair of Natural Sciences

“This is actually a really touching moment where someone has decided as I leave this earth, I want to provide someone with the opportunity to have a better life...to me that’s amazing...really amazing,” Dr. John Williams, Albany State Chair of Natural Sciences said.

Williams said, “For HBCU’s to take the lead in helping to provide this information not only to the community at large but also to those who are more likely to need that information because they are more likely to see or be impacted by diseases and conditions that could lead to organ donation, Whether for themselves or for member of their family. It is very important for HBCU’s to take the lead.”

Between 1998 and 2018 LifeLink of Georgia has nearly tripled the number of lives touched — growing annual organ recoveries from 41 to 118.

In partnering with HBCU’s the organization can help future healthcare professionals understand the vital role they play in the donation process.

Bobby Howard said, “It also gives them another option. That they may not want to be just a unit nurse, hospital nurse, or nurse in a clinic so this is another option, so this could help them advance their career.”

As the director for LifeLink of Georgia’s Multicultural Donation Education Program, Howard says this program has been a component in growing the number of African American donors through education.

“Even though they may not work in Georgia, or they may change their profession and say I don’t want to be a nurse. But getting the factual information allows them to be prepared and equipped to answer any questions when they hear things out in the community, with friends, or loved ones, or while enjoying life,” Howard said. “We want to make sure they have all the information, factual information to disseminate and share with their family and friends as well.”

By empowering future healthcare professionals LifeLink of Georgia and these HBCUs are taking crucial steps to bridge the organ donation gap, bringing hope and healing to communities across our state.

To learn more about the faces behind organ donation, click here.

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