Say What You Mean and Mean What You Say

Ever heard, “say what you mean and mean what you say?” I sure have. Heard it many times, and it’s the theme of today’s post which has been gnawing on me for about a week. Hang with me as you start reading as I’m probably not going where you think I am.

I’ve got 3 questions for you, and here’s the first two:

1. Do you believe that “Black Lives Matter”?
2. Do you believe that “All Lives Matter”? 

Did you answer “yes”? If so, is that a truthful answer? Better be sure, because the truth will be revealed in question #3 later in this post.

I’ve been reviewing the transplant waiting list statistics. Those “statistics” are not just numbers. They represent real people – sick people with spouses, children, families, and good friends. These folks need help.

Currently, across the country, about 122,000 organs are needed for transplant, and organ failure doesn’t discriminate based upon the color of a person’s skin. In fact, the national waiting list is made up of approximately 40% white and 60% minorities (29% black, 20% Hispanic, and 11% other – click here, then “category” = waiting list, and then “organ by ethnicity” to see the data). Everyone on the list has one thing in common – a slow, suffering death is imminent if a matching donated organ doesn’t come available in time. 

Each day in the U.S.:

• someone is added to the list every 9 minutes (160 per day) (here),
• 95 transplants are done (here), and
• 22 people die running out of time waiting on a match (here).

Those numbers amount to a net increase of 43 (160-95-22) added to the waiting list each day. The list just keeps growing even though surveys show that 95% of Americans support organ donation. The problem is that only about 60% of Americans are actually registered organ and tissue donors (here). Instead of being part of the solution, the 40% of Americans who are NOT registered are why 22 Americans needlessly die waiting for an organ every day.

TWENTY-TWO!!!

Question #3 – are you registered as an organ and tissue donor? 

Some of you just answered “no” to #3, but also said, “Yes, I believe Black Lives Matter / All Lives Matter.” Since 60% of the need for life-saving organ transplants is within minority communities, are those really truthful answers? Think about it – how can “lives matter” to you when you’re not registered as a donor?

The honest truth is that if you’re one of those people, then you do not mean what you say. If you did, you’d already be registered as a donor. Actions speak louder than words.

You can be part of the solution, though, instead of part of the problem. Just click on the “Donate Life” logo within this post. You’ll be taken to a page where you can register in about 2 minutes. Then, one day you may save as many as 8 lives. Be sure to tell your family of your decision. Get them to register, too, if they have not.

Most of us want to make a positive impact in our community and our country. Organ and tissue donation is one way that we can all do just that.