WHO: The Center for Organ Recovery & Education (CORE) in partnership with Donate Life Pennsylvania

WHAT: “Our Health Matters: Examining the Minority Health Crisis in Pittsburgh,” a multicultural health symposium, sponsored by Donate Life Pennsylvania.

Diabetes, hypertension and obesity are just some of the conditions and diseases that affect minority communities in greater numbers.  As a result, African-Americans and Hispanics represent more than 55 percent of those on the organ transplant waiting list, and the crisis continues to worsen.  The symposium brings a distinguished panel of medical professionals, community leaders and donor families and transplant recipients to discuss these issues.

WHEN: Tuesday, March 25, 2014 from 8:00-11:30 a.m. (complimentary breakfast included)

                                        *RSVP by Friday, March 7 to www.donatelifepa.org/OurHealthMatters

WHERE: The University Club – University of Pittsburgh (123 University Place, Pittsburgh, PA 15260)  *Parking validation available using the Soldiers & Sailors garage (located on Bigelow Boulevard between 5th Ave. and O’Hara St.).

DETAILS: Program to include a panel discussion and remarks from:

• Clive O. Callender, M.D., founder, Minority Organ Tissue Transplant Education Program (MOTTEP);
• Sheldon Ingram, WTAE Channel 4 Action News;
• Medical professionals discuss obstacles and opportunities for organ and tissue donation;
• Religious and civic leaders address community concerns and perceptions of organ and tissue donation;
• Organ recipients and donor families tell their personal stories of how donation has changed their lives.

*This event is approved for Continuing Education (CE) credit hours by ACCME, PA Board of Nursing and the National Association of Social Workers.

INTERVIEWS: Interview opportunity with Lisa Upsher, MOTTEP program director, multicultural and faith-based community outreach coordinator at CORE.

About CORE
The Center for Organ Recovery & Education (CORE) is one of 58 federally designated not-for-profit organ procurement organizations (OPOs) in the United States.  CORE works closely with donor families and designated health care professionals to coordinate the surgical recovery of organs, tissues and corneas for transplantation.  CORE also facilitates the computerized matching of donated organs and placement of corneas.  With headquarters in Pittsburgh and an office in Charleston, West Virginia, CORE oversees a region that encompasses 155 hospitals and almost six million people throughout western Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Chemung County, NY.  For more information, visit core.org or call 1-800-DONORS-7.