Group Spreads Awareness On Organ Donation To Peoria Housing Authority Residents

PEORIA - Despite the rain, one group spent Friday hitting the pavement to educate Peoria Housing Authority residents on organ donation.

Gift of Hope is an Illinois-based organ and tissue donor network.

The group knocked on about 500 doors Friday to talk about organ donation and how to register to be a donor.

Organizers say events like this one can help dispel myths and focus on more than just the decision to donate.

"Letting them know about the importance of health and wellness," says Gift of Hope communication affairs specialist Carolyn Vazquez. "Taking care of themselves, getting regular mammograms, eating healthy and changing certain lifestyles so that they can be potential organ donors."

Gift of Hope has also set up an African-American task force for the Peoria area.

Statistically, African-Americans have to wait three to four times longer for transplants.