Organ-donation effort boosting sign-ups by Utah Latinos

As she works to raise awareness about organ donation, Rocio Mejia says she often finds herself in the business of myth-busting.

Yes, you can have an open casket if you donate organs. And during the Second Coming, "we are not coming back with the body we need now," she'll explain to those worried about the religious implications.

"This is an issue, this is a reality," said Mejia, Hispanic outreach coordinator for Intermountain Donor Services. "A lot of people are dying because of a need for organs."

It's a message Mejia is working to bring to every Hispanic or Latino in the region, and it's working. She said that Hispanics are becoming donors in greater numbers.

Mejia's efforts got a boost recently when Mexican Consul Salvador Jimenez signed up as an organ donor. "If the Mexican community can see the Mexican consul supporting organ donation, it will make a big impact," Mejia said.

More than 270 people in Utah are waiting for organ donations, according to Intermountain Donor Services. One organ donor can save up to nine lives, and enhance 50 lives through tissue donation. More than 1 million Utahns are registered donors.

Jimenez said signing up helps the Mexican community, as well as the broader community.

Organ donation is just one area of health in which Jimenez said he tries to lead by example. He also encourages people to exercise and eat traditional, healthy meals.

"We are always pushing and promoting good health habits as an example," Jimenez said. "I am telling them as consul of Mexico, I am concerned about their good health."

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E-mail: dbulkeley@desnews.com