It’s National Minority Donor Awareness month, a time to raise awareness about the need for organ donors in diverse communities.

More than 104,000 people are on the national transplant waiting list, and 60% of them are from minority communities.

In Indiana, hundreds of Black, Hispanic, and Asian residents are waiting for a match.

Many of these communities are more likely to develop conditions that can lead to organ failure.

In Indiana, 335 Black people need an organ transplant as well as 107 Hispanic and 66 Asian people. While race isn’t a factor in matching donors and recipients, sharing a similar genetic background can sometimes improve long-term outcomes.

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A promising new therapy is helping stroke survivors regain lost motor skills by using a micro-transponder to stimulate the brain.

Up to one million people suffer a stroke each year, a number experts say could soar to 200 million by 2050. This innovative approach offers hope to those affected by stroke-related disabilities.

The therapy involves implanting a micro-transponder traditionally used for epilepsy patients into stroke survivors. This device stimulates the Vagus nerve, which carries signals to the brain to rewire parts associated with motor functions. During therapy sessions, when a patient performs an exercise correctly, it signals the brain to remember that movement, aiding in the recovery of motor skills.

The damage from a stroke can cause patients to lose their ability to perform everyday tasks such as picking up a cup, using their phone, or playing with their grandchildren.

While rehabilitation helps, this new approach is giving stroke survivors more mobility in their arms and hands.

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Back-to-school season is here, and while parents are busy grabbing supplies and organizing routines, health experts say it’s also the perfect time to focus on sleep and nutrition.

Amanda Pantone, a registered dietitian with Community Health Network, joined News 8 Daybreak to share ways families can set their kids up for success both in the classroom and at home.

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