By Connie Colbert
Director, Canyon Health and Wellness Clinic
Not only is Valentine’s Day on Feb. 14. It also is National Donor Day.
This day originally was designated in 1998 by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to raise awareness for organ, eye, tissue, marrow, platelet and blood donations. It focuses on all types of donations, from blood/marrow drives to donor-registration events.
It also is a day to recognize loved ones who have given the gift of a donation, have received a donation, are currently waiting or did not receive an organ in time.
In America, 120,000 people are waiting for organ transplants. They depend on the public to sign up with their state’s organ donor registries on National Donor Day.
This is a more concrete way to show love than giving heart-shaped candy, roses and red velvet teddy bears. By donating organs such as corneas, tissue, marrow, platelets and blood, you create a living legacy of your generosity with the ultimate gift of love.
You can get involved by signing up to be a donor, either online or in person at your local state Department of Motor Vehicles office. There is no charge.
When you register, show your driver’s license or other authorized picture identification. You do not need to carry or show your donor card if you are registered as a donor with your state, and you always have the right to change your mind.
Reasons to donate:
- One organ can save eight lives.
- You can improve the lives of more than 50 people with tissue donation.
- There are more potential recipients than organ donors on the organ donation waiting list.
- Giving the “gift of life” may lighten the grief of your own family.
- Organ donation is at no cost to you or your family members
- It is supported by almost every religion.
- It is the biggest charity you can do.
- It takes only two minutes to register.
Information: https://register.donatelifeaz.org/register/ref/mvd-link
