National Organ Donor Day is February 14, 2011. Celebrate Valentine's Day by giving the ultimate gift of love by signing up to become an organ and tissue donor. In the time it takes you to order flowers or buy a box of chocolates, you can register and become an organ donor.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has designated Valentine's Day has been designated as National Organ Donor Day since 1998 to raise awareness of the lives that can be touched -- potentially more than 50 at a time --through one person becoming an organ and tissue donor.
How to become an organ and tissue donor
- Fill out an organ and tissue donation card, register with your State Donor Registry and make sure your family knows you want to be a donor.
- Join the National Registry of potential volunteer marrow and blood stem cell donors.
- Learn how you can donate your baby's umbilical cord blood stem cells at birth.
- Donate blood
Why become a Donor?
- As of February 10, 2011, there are 110,366 people waiting for an organ for transplant.
- At least 35,000 children and adults in our country have life-threatening blood diseases that could be treated by a marrow/blood stem cell or cord blood transplant.
- Every two seconds someone in America needs blood, more than 39,000 units each day, according to the American Red Cross.
Encourage your friends to become a registered donor on Valentine's Day 2011
- Find a local blood donation center in the United States here.
- Become an organ donor: http://www.donatelife.net/
- Learn more about donating cord blood when you give birth to your baby: Cord blood donation information
1 COMMENTS:
Thank you very much for this information. I have posted it on my facebook page in the hopes of reaching other people who may not be aware of just how important donation is. Keep up the great work. Thanks again!!!
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