How LiveOnNY is reaching diverse communities

1.How do you foster collaboration with healthcare professionals, community leaders, and organizations to enhance organ donation education and outreach in diverse communities?

Being born and raised in New York City, it has been my experience that many of our communities of color have historically believed the urban myths and legends associated with organ donation. Therefore, a large component of LiveOnNY’s strategic plan is focused on decreasing health and equity disparities through engagement with trusted stakeholders who can amplify our message. Facilitation from these reliable sources of information helps start conversations about something that is considered taboo.   

2) Organ donation can be a sensitive topic. How do you navigate cultural nuances and potential misconceptions to facilitate open and constructive conversations about organ donation in diverse communities?

Telling the truth and establishing trust are key elements to success. Activating a workforce of volunteers and donor families that represent our diverse communities has allowed LiveOnNY to break through the noise, resulting in a 50% increase in organ donation over the past 24 months. The majority of these gracious gifts of life were transplanted into patients who are people of color.

3) What strategies do you employ to measure the success and effectiveness of organ donation campaigns, particularly when aiming to have a positive impact on communities of color? 

We are federally regulated by CMS and our success is based on measures which we hope will include addressing disparities in the future. Nonetheless, over the past 24 months LiveOnNY has seen a significant increase in donations from people of color. We leverage data to guide our evidence-based approach to increase engagement and collaboration. Thanks to our generous community, LiveOnNY has received 15 proclamations from elected officials in our service area with “LiveOnNY Days” declared in over 5 counties, to honor donors and their families.