http://Siminoffresearchgroup.org/

AsianAmerican HD, Philadelphia, PA (2025)

09/08/2021

In a study of 64 different Asian Americans in nine different focus groups, results found that Vietnamese participants were more likely to raise concern with the potential conflict between organ donation and religious beliefs. It is common for some spiritual doctrines to conflict with organ donation – whether that is because the body should be left whole for burial, for the afterlife, or for other reasons. We tackled more of why that is in each of the focus groups these participants were a part of.

For more information about this study, be sure to visit our website!

09/08/2021

In discussing organ donation attitudes with nine different focus groups with 64 total Asian American participants, some survey results indicated that Filipino participants were more likely to agree with the statement that recipients of organ donations live full and productive lives. This was found in comparison to other study group participants who were either Chinese or Vietnamese.

For more information about this study, be sure to check out our website!

09/01/2021

A Vietnamese woman in her early 60s expressed the sentiment above when discussing organ donation in one of our study’s focus groups. One recurring theme in all focus groups was the idea of family primacy, and how the hierarchy and loyalty of a family can impact their choice whether or not to donate their organs. In some cases, respondents only expressed positive views of organ donation if the recipient would be a family member or close relative.

For more information about this study, be sure to check out our website!

08/23/2021

In our Family First study, our researchers examined Asian Americans’ viewpoints on organ donation since organ donations from this group is disproportionate with the population as compared with other racial groups. Many different responses were recorded, including those adamantly against donation, those uncertain on their stance, and those willing to donate. This teen shares her thoughts on organ donation.

Adobe Stock Photo: Jacob Lund

08/16/2021

In one focus group discussing organ donation with Asian participants, a Filipina college student shared an astute point regarding the differences between younger and older generations. While older Asians are tied more to tradition and often times more likely to be against organ donation, younger generations are more likely to encounter the topic of organ donation which can impact their opinion. This is not always the case, but evidence from our focus groups has demonstrated the difference in each generation’s thoughts towards donation.

08/04/2021

Unfortunately, there is a serious lack of research around Asian Americans in general and especially regarding their health. Asians are often thought of as the “Model Minority” due to the public perception that Asians are doing well financially and are “whiz kids”. However, Asians are diverse, and these stereotypes are damaging. Not to mention, Asian Americans are disproportionally affected by organ transplant demand. Our group is working to shed light on this acute health need and bring equity to healthcare for Asian Americans.

07/28/2021

Asian Americans are disproportionately donating less than what is needed. Our lab identifies barriers to organ donation amongst this population. Every year, more people are in need of organ transplants. Help increase awareness of organ transplant disparities!

07/07/2021

In a study of 64 different Asian Americans in nine different focus groups, results found that Vietnamese participants were more likely to raise concern with the potential conflict between organ donation and religious beliefs. It is common for some spiritual doctrines to conflict with organ donation – whether that is because the body should be left whole for burial, for the afterlife, or for other reasons. We tackled more of why that is in each of the focus groups these participants were a part of.

06/17/2021

💛“Heart of Gold” This is a short story about family, connection, health and bringing love to our community. We are humbled and thankful for the opportunity to raise awareness about an issue that disproportionately affects the Asian American community.

💛This animation is the first of its kind and has been developed with help from our Asian American Community Leaders: Denise Schlatter, Stephanie Sun, LeQuyen Vu, Ruth and Ferdinand Luyun, Grace Kong and Shirley Moy, Partner Organizations: Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation, the Filipino Executive Council of Greater Philadelphia - FECGP, Indo-Chinese American Council, Governor Wolf's Advisory Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), and Donate Life America as well as with the voices of hundreds of Asian Americans.

💛We are pleased to share “Heart of Gold”. Join us for a story that sheds light on community and encounter what it means to have a heart of gold. After watching this short story please visit bit.ly/theheartofgold

04/21/2021

In this quote, a Filipino participant in his 40s shares his own concerns about organ donation. This thought process highlights a common theme among those in the group discussion we hosted– a conflict in religious beliefs or cultural beliefs about death and the afterlife. In this case, the participant’s concern arose from Catholic beliefs and uncertainty on the Church’s position on donation. However, we know from our winter mini-series with Dr. Gardiner that the church and many other religions support organ donation.

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04/16/2021

Over the years, our lab has studied healthcare decision making and effective communication. We have developed interventions to improve the ways people make and communicate about healthcare decisions. One of our recent studies aims to identify the attitudes and beliefs that serve as barriers to organ donation as well as improve donation rates amongst the Asian American population. Happy National Healthcare Decision Day! Check out the link in our bio to watch a short film about this topic!

04/07/2021

After speaking to hundreds of Asian American individuals, we learned about organ donation concerns. In this quote, a Vietnamese individual in his late teens shares their own experience in discussing organ donation with their mother. Their fear and hesitation are not unique within the community. Many minority populations have a lack of trust in the donation system and medical system more generally.

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03/31/2021

We’re thrilled about the willingness to donate among Asian Americans! However, there are discrepancies between willingness to donate and donor registration. Our lab is dedicated to solving problems in minority health disparities. We work closely with several populations to identify and breakdown barriers to organ donation registration

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© [WavebreakMediaMicro] / Adobe Stock

03/24/2021

Individuals with diabetes are at a heightened risk for needing an organ transplant. Diabetes causes extra stress on organs, especially the kidneys and pancreas Talk with a loved one about healthful decisions and lifestyle choices.

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03/17/2021

Organ donation and topics surrounding death are taboo in many Asian cultures. This contributes to the inequities within transplant wait times between ethnic groups. Just starting a conversation about organ donation can help to solve these growing health disparities. Check out the link in our bio to watch a short story about donation

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© [Hero Images] / Adobe Stock

03/11/2021

Happy World Kidney Day! Our research has uncovered many myths that serve as barriers to organ donation. Many people believe in the idea of a black market for organs like kidneys. Contrary to what the media portrays, there is no organ black market in the United States.

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03/02/2021

Today is World Teen Mental Wellness Day. Take some time today to check in with the young people in your life. The pandemic has undoubtedly affected them. A little support goes a long way especially for those who feel alone or forgotten.

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02/17/2021

💛 “Heart of Gold” is a short story about family, connection, health and bringing love to our community. We are humbled and thankful for the opportunity to raise awareness about an issue that disproportionately affects the Asian American community.

💛 This animation is the first of its kind and has been developed with help from our Asian American Community Leaders: Denise Schlatter, Stephanie Sun, LeQuyen Vu, Ruth and Ferdinand Luyun, Grace Kong and Shirley Moy, Partner Organizations Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation , Filipino Executive Council of Greater Philadelphia - FECGP Indo-Chinese American Council, Governor Wolf's Advisory Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs the NIH NIDDK and Donate Life America as well as with the voices of hundreds of Asian Americans.

💛 We are pleased to share “Heart of Gold”. Join us for a story that sheds light on community and encounter what it means to have a heart of gold. Happy and to all. After watching this short story please visit http://bitly.com/theheartofgold

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#福 #无价的善心

AsianAmerican HD

09/08/2021

09/08/2021

09/01/2021

08/23/2021

08/16/2021

08/04/2021

07/28/2021

07/07/2021

06/17/2021

04/21/2021

04/16/2021

04/07/2021

03/31/2021

03/24/2021

03/17/2021

03/11/2021

03/02/2021

02/17/2021

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