National Donor Day
February 14
National Donor Day is February 14
Observed every year on February 14, National Donor Day is an important awareness day. This day spreads awareness and education about organ, eye and tissue donation. National Donor Day started in 1998. The Saturn Corporation and its partner, the United Auto Workers, created National Donor Day’s annual campaign. In addition, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services supports National Donor Day. National Donor Day is represented by the color green.
Wear a Green Fabric Ribbon, Enamel Awareness Pin or Silicone Wristband
In addition, National Donor Day is also a day to recognize those who have given and received the gift of life through organ, eye and tissue donation. It also brings awareness to those who are currently waiting for a lifesaving transplant. Further, it calls attention to those who died waiting because an organ was not donated in time.
Learn About Organ Donation on National Organ Day
- Organ Donation: On average, 20 people die each day waiting for a transplant. Just one organ donor can save as many as eight lives.
- Tissue and Eye Donation: One donor can help restore sight to two people and heal the lives of more than 75 people.
- Bone Marrow Donation: Of the patients in need of a bone marrow transplant due to disease, infection, or chemotherapy, 70 percent of them do not have a matching donor in their family. You could be the perfect match!
- Platelet Donation: Platelets are essential to those fighting and surviving cancers, chronic diseases, and traumatic injuries. Every 30 seconds there is someone in need of platelets.
- Blood Donation: Approximately every two seconds, there is someone in need of a blood transfusion, which translates to the need of over 41,000 daily donations. Donating blood is not only good for the health of those who need it, but also for the donors who give the gift.
#TalkDonation with Your Loved Ones on National Donor Day
Registering as an organ and tissue donor means considering what will happen after you die. This can be uncomfortable to process. It is important to understand your options and communicate your decision to your family. Your decision will take priority over your family’s preferences. Making the decision for yourself in advance will make it easier for your family during a difficult time
#BeTheGIFT – You Can Make A Difference
Every 10 minutes, a new name is added to the national transplant waiting list, which currently consists of more than 113,000 people. There’s one major factor that contributes to these agonizing waits: not enough registered donors. Many nonprofit health organizations sponsor organ and tissue donor registration initiatives as well as blood and bone marrow drives nationwide. Help us spread awareness. Signing up will give hope to the thousands of people awaiting a life-saving transplant.
How can I get Involved in Organ Donation and National Organ Donor Day?
In addition to registering to be an organ, eye and tissue donor or contributing to the DLA cause, you can also download National Donor Day graphics to raise awareness about donation throughout social media. Link these images to other resources for your friends and followers to utilize within your local and online communities.
(Image: vecteezy.com)
Details
- Date:
- February 14
- Series:
- National Donor Day