When most people think about February 14, they immediately think of Valentine’s Day and their loved ones. Because of this association, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has designated February 14 National Donor Day. This observance was created in honor of the tissues, fluids, and organs—including hearts—that are life-saving donations to those in need. This observance, started back in 1998, focuses on five points of life: organs, tissues, marrow, platelets and blood.
Each day an average of 79 Americans receive organ transplants. However, an average of 18 people die each day waiting for transplants that cannot take place because of a shortage in donations. On any given day, there are more than 100,000 Americans on an organ donor waiting list. It has been estimated that the number of organs donated would double if every person with suitable organs decided to donate.
Becoming an organ donor is easier than you expect. Through the website www.organdonor.gov you can register as an organ and tissue donor in your state. In addition to signing up online, the Department of Health and Human Services recommends the following steps:
- Designate your decision on your driver’s license
- Tell your family about your decision to donate
- Tell your physician, faith leader, and friends
Anyone can be a potential organ donor. There are a few absolute exclusions (such as HIV infection, active cancer, and systemic infection) but no strict upper or lower age limit, as the condition of organs is more important than the age of the donor. Potential donors will be evaluated for suitability when the occasion arises.
Even if you are unable to donate an organ at this time, you can still get involved in the work of saving lives by donating blood. Millions of people need blood transfusions each year, either as a result of surgery, an accident, or a disease that requires blood components. You can choose to donate your blood, platelets, plasma, or double red cells. The only requirements of this type of donation are to be in good health, weigh 110 pounds and pass the physical and health history assessments.
To learn more about organ, tissue and fluid donation, please visit www.organdonor.gov
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