Tuesday, April 05, 2022
National Donate Life Month, recognized in April of each year, is observed to honor those that have saved lives through the gift of donation and to help raise awareness about donation. This month encourages Americans to register as organ, eye, and tissue donors. In addition, this is a month to celebrate those who have received transplants, recognize those who still continue to wait, and give special gratitude to donors and their families.
Registered donors give people hope. Currently, Donate Life America reports that more than 170 million people are registered as an organ, eye, or tissue donor. In 2021, more than 41,000 transplants from 20,300 different donors brought renewed life to patients, families, and their communities.
Who can be a donor? Living donors must be older than 18 years of age. Some medical conditions could prevent an individual from being a donor. An assessment of medical history and conditions will ultimately determine what can be donated. Full patient evaluations protect both the living donor and the health and safety of potential recipients.
Does registering as a donor change my care as a patient? Your life always comes first and foremost. Doctors and other healthcare providers work extremely hard to save every patient’s life. Donation is only considered as a last resort.
Is there a cost to being an organ, eye, or tissue donor? There is no cost to a donor or donor’s family when registering.
Donation is an opportunity to give life and health to others in the future. Do not overlook the importance of registering as a donor. Registering yourself will relieve your family and loved ones of the burden of making this decision. Read more information on becoming a donor or register yourself here.
Resources
Donation and Transplant FAQs
Donation and Transplant Statistics
Donate Life Infographic
