DONATE LIFE ORGAN DONATION AWARENESS - OHIO

Connecting the Dots about Donation
Source: LifeLine of Ohio

Stylist Gloria Blackwell participating in Shop Talk

August 1st was the 14th annual National Minority Donor Awareness Day (NMDAD). With fresh Krispy Kremes in hand, I marked the occasion by visiting some of our the barbers and stylists participating ShopTalk program to promote donation in the African-American community. No matter how many visits I make, the sight of customers and stylists draped in Donate Life capes, aprons, and t-shirts is breathtaking!

The barbershop dynamic is a unique experience within itself. Stylists, customers being serviced, as well as those waiting or whomever has “next” (short for next in line) all chime in about any topic that could rear its head into the discussion. And the subject of donation is no exception.

This day, I had my work cut out for me. In one particular barbershop I asked the question, “Do you know anyone on dialysis?” Everyone raised their hands while shouting out, “My father, my grandfather, my mother…” I explained that those loved ones were on dialysis because of renal (kidney) failure and that they would one day be in need of a kidney transplant. They were stunned…they hadn’t connected the dots.

This revelation led to two hours of conversation in one shop about donation facts. Once they connected the dots between donation and dialysis it became relevant, they could see the need for donation not just in their own community but in their own families. We talked about the common myths surrounding donation and I explained an open casket funeral is possible with donation and that, in an accident, the doctor’s only focus is to save the life in front of them and that donation is only considered after all possible efforts to save someone’s life have been exhausted (This after hearing the common concern, ”If they see I’m a donor on my license they won’t fight to save my life.”).

Throughout those two hours, I could see facial expressions evolve from, “Yea right, I don’t think so” to, “I never thought of that.” Though no one made an immediate decision to register as an organ and tissue donor that day, I know we planted the seed of knowledge that will bear fruit in the coming months.

Opportunities like this one, to connect with people and show that every community is touched by donation help us save lives. Thanks to all the barbers and stylists participating in this effort and getting conversations started!

- Demia Kandi, Community Consutant