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Lunar New Year: A Time for Giving, a Time to Consider Supporting Organ & Tissue Donation

January 23, 2025

Lunar New Year is a time for celebration, family, and giving. It’s also a time to reflect on the past and set future goals, embodying generosity through gift-giving and sharing meals with loved ones.

The Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) community is the fastest growing ethnic group in the US and makes up around 16% of Sacramento County’s population. Sacramento’s large and vibrant AAPI community includes many groups that celebrate Lunar New Year, including Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Filipino, and Hmong communities.

Despite their strong presence in healthcare, Asian Americans historically have the lowest organ donation registration rate, due in part to cultural barriers and mistrust. While they represent 9% of national transplant waiting list patients and 20% of California’s waiting list, these factors create significant barriers to organ donation within the community.



New Year, New Tradition?

The Year of the Snake, according to Chinese astrology, signifies change, renewal, and self-discovery. Perhaps this could encourage those who have been hesitant to support donation to reconsider.

Like Lunar New Year celebrations, organ and tissue donation demonstrates connection and giving, and could honor other core principles, including:

  • Generosity (giving life and hope)
  • Family/community (family conversations and community support)
  • Renewal/rebirth (new life for recipients)
  • Respect for elders (recognizing older adult donors and those in need of lifesaving transplants)

Like a snake’s skin, you can shed your reservations about donation.


Arden Fair’s Upcoming Lunar New Year Celebration

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to celebrate the rich cultural traditions of Lunar New Year at Arden Fair with the Sacramento Asian Pacific Chamber on Saturday, February 1st, from 1:00 PM – 4:00 P.M.

About Sierra Donor Services

Sierra Donor Services (SDS) serves nearly three million people in Northern California and Northern Nevada. We are an exceptional team of professionals dedicated to saving and improving lives by connecting organ and tissue donation to the patients who need them. We strive to extend the reach of each generous donor’s gift to those who are always profoundly grateful for them.

#BeTheGift that saves lives!

When you register as an organ, eye and tissue donor, you leave a lasting legacy and bring hope to those waiting.

To access the National Registry, click here.