National Donor Day

Valentine’s Day has a new meaning when you need an organ transplant to survive. Every February 14th, since 1998, we observe National Donor Day to raise awareness about organ donation. More than 120,000 Americans are waiting for an organ donation, and it’s our responsibility as a community to raise visibility and to register more donors so we can lower the number and help save lives.

Giving the gift of life

This day’s observance focuses on five types of donations: organs, tissues and eyes, bone marrow, platelets, and blood. Many nonprofit health organizations sponsor National Donor Day across the nation. Every day, over 41,000 daily donations are required in the United States.

Each type of donation saves lives. While we can donate blood, platelets, tissue, marrow, and some organs at any time, most are donated after death. A single donor can save up to 8 lives and help over 75 people.

Some blood donors have been making donations as young as 17. One pint of blood can help up to three people. If you’ve never thought about donating, you’re one of the 17 percent of non-donors. However, only 37 percent of the population of the United States is eligible to donate blood.

What can you donate?

Talk about donation with your loved ones

Registering as an organ donor means thinking about what will happen after you die, which can be challenging to process. Understanding your options and communicating your decision to your family is essential since it will take priority over your family’s preferences. Deciding for yourself in advance will make it easier for your family during a difficult time.

Making a difference

A new name is added to the National Transplanting List every 10 minutes, which currently consists of more than 110,000 people. However, one major factor contributes to these waits: more registered donors must be registered. You can help by spreading awareness. Signing up will give hope to the thousands of people awaiting a life-saving transplant.

How to observe National Donor Day

1. Sign up for blood donation.
2. Share your story if you’ve received the gift of an organ, tissue, marrow, platelets, or blood.
3. Look into becoming a donor and talk about it with your loved ones.
4. Use #NationalDonorDay to post on social media.