What a meaningful conclusion to AMAT 2026!

I was honored to present the Digital Storytelling Donor Family Library and share how authentic stories can honor loved ones, guide other families, and strengthen connections across the donation community.

Breanna’s “Life Connects Us All” presentation also highlighted the importance of building trust through multicultural community engagement. The closing sessions offered powerful reflections on grief, purpose, unity, and the future of donation and transplantation.

It was a wonderful week of learning, sharing, and meeting people committed to making a difference. I am returning to the Houston Methodist Patient Engagement Research Lab inspired and ready to turn new connections into meaningful action.

#AMAT2026 #DonorFamilyLibrary #DigitalStorytelling #CommunityEngagement #OrganDonation #Transplantation #HoustonMethodist #PELab ... See MoreSee Less

What an inspiring Day 2 at the @Association for Multicultural Affairs in Transplantation (AMAT) 2026!

The presentations offered fresh perspectives on donor advocacy, hospital engagement, and how hospitals and OPOs can work together to close important gaps.

It was wonderful meeting Tracy Wylie of Versiti and discussing opportunities to bring digital storytelling to the communities Versiti serves. A special thank-you to the LifeGift team for being incredible collaborators and to Woodlhey Ambroise for inviting me to speak at this year’s conference.

I am leaving inspired, informed, and excited to bring these ideas back to my work at the Houston Methodist Patient Engagement Research Lab. I look forward to the projects ahead and to returning next year!

#AMAT2026 #DigitalStorytelling #DonorAdvocacy #CommunityEngagement #OrganDonation #Transplantation #LifeGift #Versiti #HoustonMethodist #PELab ... See MoreSee Less

✨ Day 1 at the AMAT 2026 Conference was both inspiring and informative! ✨

The conference theme, "Bridging the Gap: Leading with Cultural Integrity to Ignite Trust and Hope in Donation and Transplantation," brought together leaders, researchers, healthcare professionals, and community advocates to discuss how we can strengthen trust and improve access to donation and transplantation.

Mayra Almendarez, MBA, is part of the Houston Methodist Patient Engagement Research Lab (PE Lab). She appreciated learning from experts who shared practical strategies for engaging diverse communities, addressing barriers to donation, and building lasting relationships rooted in trust and cultural understanding.

One of her biggest takeaways was that meaningful change happens when we listen to communities, value lived experiences, and create opportunities for everyone to have a voice in their healthcare journey.

She is excited to bring these insights back to her work in patient engagement, storytelling, health equity, and community partnerships.

Thank you to AMAT and all the incredible speakers for an impactful first day of learning and collaboration!

💙 Building trust 💙 Strengthening communities 💙 Advancing donation and transplantation

#AMAT2026 #PatientEngagement #CommunityEngagement #HealthEquity #DonationAndTransplantation #HoustonMethodist #PELab #OrganDonation #LivingDonation #HealthcareLeadership #CommunityPartnerships #IgnitingHope #TransplantCommunity ... See MoreSee Less

✨ Connecting Through Stories. Listening Through Community. ✨

On September 12, the Houston Methodist Patient Engagement Research Lab was honored to join the Greater Pure Light Church Community Event, where Mayra Almendarez and Imory James connected with community members to share the power of digital storytelling and living donation education.

Through meaningful conversations, interactive activities, and a community needs assessment, we had the opportunity to learn directly from community members about their health communication preferences, experiences, and information needs. Their voices help guide how we create resources that are more accessible, culturally responsive, and impactful.

We also shared real living donation stories that highlight how personal experiences can educate, inspire, and empower others to make informed health decisions.

💙 Every conversation matters. 💙 Every story has the power to educate. 💙 Every community voice helps shape better health resources.

Thank you to Greater Pure Light Church for welcoming us and partnering with us to strengthen community engagement, health education, and storytelling that makes a difference.

#CommunityEngagement #patientengagement #healthstoriesforyou #livingdonation #OrganDonation #DigitalStorytelling #CommunityVoices #HealthEquity #PatientEducation #houstonmethodist #pelab #communitypartnerships #storytellingforhealth #MakingADifference #TransplantCommunity #TogetherWeCan #CommunityHealth #PatientCenteredCare ... See MoreSee Less

💙 Inspiring Generosity. Empowering Donors. Saving Lives. 💙

Dr. Amy Waterman from the Houston Methodist Patient Engagement Lab had an incredible opportunity to share our work at The Alliance's 2026 National Critical Issues Forum in New Orleans!

Dr. Amy Waterman, Dr. Amit Garg, and Christina Goalby unveiled a preview of a new HRSA-funded national website that will help potential living donors learn about resources and financial assistance available through the Living Organ Donor Reimbursement Program.

During the conference, Amy presented a powerful T&D Talk called "Motivating the Generous," focused on how storytelling, social media, and education can inspire more people to consider living donation and help remove barriers that often stand in the way.

One of the highlights was reconnecting with long-time collaborators and partners who share a common mission: increasing access to transplantation and helping more patients receive the gift of life.

Every donor story we share, every connection we make, and every resource we develop brings us one step closer to helping generous individuals get the information and support they need to make a life-changing difference.

✨ Together, we can inspire hope. ✨ Together, we can increase awareness. ✨ Together, we can save lives.

If you believe in the power of donation and patient-centered care, help us spread the word by sharing this post!

#GiftOfLife #LivingDonation #OrganDonation #DonateLife #Transplantation #PatientStories #HealthStoriesForYou #PatientEngagement #PELab #ResearchThatMatters #HealthcareInnovation #CommunityImpact #MakingADifference #HoustonMethodist #TheAlliance

Call to Action: What inspires you most about organ donation and transplantation? Share your thoughts below. ⬇️💙 ... See MoreSee Less

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