Health Equity in Transplantation Coalition
Executive Chairman celebrates the Games' commitment to the
transplantation community and advancing health equity for
all
BIRMINGHAM, Ala., July 5, 2024
/PRNewswire/ -- Al B. Sure!, R&B legend and Executive Chairman
of the Health Equity in Transplantation Coalition (HEiTC), today
praised the kick off of the 2024 Transplant Games of America (TGA),
which set to be held in Birmingham,
Alabama on July 5-10.
Thousands of transplant recipients, living donors, donor families,
caregivers, individuals on the waiting list, doctors and
professionals, supporters, volunteers and loved ones from across
the country will come together to celebrate life and the gift of
transplantation.
"Two years ago, I overcame the greatest challenge of my life
thanks to the gift of a donor and their loved ones. My liver
transplant and the dedicated team of medical professionals, led by
Dr. Constance Mobley and Houston
Methodist, as well as the support of my community, saved my life. I
know that many can relate to my experience and share in my call for
equitable healthcare practices that remove undue barriers. Which is
why the Transplant Games being hosted in Birmingham is so profoundly symbolic. It
honors a city that was crucial to the Civil Rights Movement and
underscores our ongoing fight for health equity. The games not only
celebrate the gift of life and the physical achievements of
transplant recipients but remind us of the power of community, and
the changes we can advance together.
That is the reason why I started HEiTC with Rev. Al Sharpton and Rachel
Noerdlinger, to advocate not only for policy changes but
simple awareness about the disparities that exist for Black and
Brown transplant recipients. Our collective work aims to dismantle
those inequities and outcomes for underserved and rural
communities, who are disproportionately more likely to need a
transplant in their lifetime and yet all too often are the ones to
face barriers in access to resources.
This year's games are more than a sporting event – they
underscore the critical need for systemic changes that ensure
everyone has access to the life-saving resources they need without
undue hardship. I stand with the Transplant Games of America in our
shared mission to make a difference, inspire hope, and advocate for
a world where everyone has access to quality care," said Al B.
Sure!, Executive Chairman for HEiTC.
"Birmingham was at the heart of
the Civil Rights Movement, so it is only fitting to have this event
there as we continue this fight to close the access gap for Black
and Brown transplant patients," said Rev. Al Sharpton, Senior Advisor for HEiTC. "The
Transplant Games will no doubt be a special celebration of the gift
hundreds of thousands have received, while also raising awareness
for those still on the waitlist."
"We are deeply honored to produce this year's Transplant Games
in Birmingham—a city renowned for its pivotal role in the Civil
Rights Movement. It's a fitting backdrop to celebrate the selfless
acts of donors, the resilience of their families, and the renewed
lives of transplant recipients. In solidarity with the Health
Equity in Transplantation Coalition, I stand committed to the
historically underserved Black and Brown communities.
Disproportionately affected by kidney and heart organ failure,
these communities often rely on organ transplantation as their sole
lifeline. Through the Games, we aim to amplify the urgent need for
organ donations and to shed light on the disparities in
transplantation. Together, we can make a difference," stated
Bill Ryan, CEO of Transplant Life
Foundation.
About HEiTC
The Health Equity in Transplantation
Coalition, which is dedicated to advocating for improved transplant
care access for all Americans, is focused on providing a voice for
Black, Hispanic, and Latino Americans, and others in underserved
communities, to restore Medicare coverage for vital non-invasive
transplant patient blood tests that detect early signs of organ
rejection.
Media Contact
Rachel Noerdlinger
rnoerdlinger@ActumLLC.com
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SOURCE Health Equity in Transplantation Coalition