National Donate Life Month 2022: Bee A Donor!

National Donate Life Month is celebrated every year in April, giving us the opportunity to thank our donor families and living donors who have made the decision to save someone’s life. It also provides the opportunity to promote organ donation to those who haven’t found it in their hearts to sign up yet.

National Donate Life Month was started by Donate Life America and state Donate Life organizations in 2003. The entire month is filled with local, regional and national activities encouraging Americans to register as organ, eye and tissue donors and to celebrate those who have saved lives through the gift of donation.

Every year, Donate Life America creates a powerful and fun image to celebrate those who have donated and encourage others to take the step to sign up. This year, Donate Life America was inspired by the vital role that bees play in sustaining life. Bees are a small but powerful life force, working together with dedication, collaboration and a strong sense of community.

If you’re passionate about organ donation, a donor yourself, or a recipient – we invite you to join us in celebrating and sharing information during Donate Life Month.

Here are five facts you can share with your family, friends, and followers:

1. There's no defined cutoff age for deceased organ donation. The decision to use your organs after you have passed away is based on strict medical criteria, not age. If you wish to be a living donor for a kidney or part of your liver, age restrictions may apply.
2. One donor can impact up to 85 lives through organ, tissue and eye donation. What’s the breakdown? Eight lives can be saved by organ donation, two people can have vision restored by donated corneas, and 75 people can heal thanks to donated tissue such as skin, bone and heart valves.
3. Support is high, registration rates are lower. While 90% of Americans are in favor of being a donor, only 60% are registered. Share this post to make it easy for someone to register. It only takes a minute or two to do so.
4. If you are a designated donor, the hospital staff will still do everything possible to save your life. In the event of a medical emergency that results in trauma or a serious brain injury, doctors focus on saving your life — not somebody else's. You'll be seen by a doctor whose specialty most closely matches your particular condition. If life-saving measures are not successful, your family may be approached about the possibility of donating your organs.
5. Your family will not be billed for deceased organ donation. There is no cost to the donor’s family or estate for donation. The donor family pays only for medical expenses before death and costs associated with funeral arrangements.

National Donate Life Month is a busy time for the transplant programs at Mayo Clinic. Our staff, patients, and friends plan activities to honor our donors and to show the amazing outcomes that come from organ donation. We help patients tell their stories for the news, participate in Blue & Green Day, and you might even see some of our staff running in some 5Ks in honor of the month! There are a host of other National Donate Life Month activities and events that you can find online.

Watch for more organ donation information, blog posts, and stories from Mayo Clinic this month! We want to hear from you too. Tell us how you celebrate or bring awareness to donation for National Donate Life Month.

HELPFUL LINKS

• Register as an organ donor.
• Learn about organ donation at Mayo Clinic.
• Explore Mayo’s Transplant Center.
• Request an appointment.