Image courtesy of Sierra Donor Services 

WEST SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) – Sierra Donor Services (SDS) proudly recognizes Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month in May, celebrating the cultures, traditions and contributions of AAPI communities. As the leading organ procurement organization serving Northern California, Nevada and New Mexico, SDS acknowledges the importance of cultural understanding, education and community partnership in advancing fair and equal access to donation and transplantation in Asian American communities.

Throughout the month of May, SDS will honor AAPI donor heroes, recipients and families, reaffirming their dedication to inclusion, generosity and health equity.

“During AAPI Heritage Month, we honor the generations of Asian American and Pacific Islander individuals whose resilience and service continue to strengthen our communities,” said Sean Van Slyck, chief executive officer of Sierra Donor Services. “We also recognize the importance of culturally responsive outreach and education to ensure all communities feel informed, respected and empowered when making decisions about organ, eye and tissue donation.”

More than 100,000 people nationwide are waiting for a life-saving organ transplant, including nearly 20,000 people in California. In California alone, Asian and Pacific Islanders represent 22% of those awaiting a life-saving transplant. Patients from diverse ethnic backgrounds often face longer wait times due to the need for compatible donors. Sierra Donor Services remains committed to fostering education and increasing awareness to encourage donor registration across all communities, providing hope to all who are waiting.

SDS works tirelessly to facilitate the donation of organs, corneas and tissues, ensuring every gift is treated with the highest level of care and respect. As Sierra Donor Services reflects on over 40 years of impact, the organization remains committed to its mission of saving lives, honoring donors and educating the public. For anyone interested in learning more about organ, eye and tissue donation or to read more about AAPI donor heroes, families and recipients, visit: https://sierradonor.org/news/celebrating-asian-american-pacific-islander-heritage-month/.