Giving Hope, Changing Lives: National Donate Life Month

April marks National Donate Life Month (NDLM), a time dedicated to raising awareness about organ, eye, and tissue donation across the United States. Established in 2003 by Donate Life America and its affiliates, NDLM serves as an annual reminder of the profound impact on individuals and communities.^[1]

The Importance of Donation

At the heart of NDLM lies a simple yet powerful message: donation saves lives. More than 100,000 people in the U.S. are currently waiting for a life-saving organ transplant, with 86% of them in need of a kidney. Beyond organ transplants, tissue donation is vital in enhancing and saving lives. A single donor can help heal over 75 individuals by donating skin, bone, and heart valves.^[2]

Taking Action

Registering as an organ, eye, and tissue donor is a simple yet powerful step toward making a difference. By signing up, individuals have the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy and provide hope to those in need.

Living donation offers another life-saving option for those who wish to make an immediate impact. In 2021 alone, over 6,500 individuals made the selfless choice to donate a kidney or a portion of their liver to someone awaiting transplant.^[3]

Each year, more than one million tissue transplants occur across the U.S., a testament to the incredible generosity of donors. In 2024, United Tissue Resources reached significant milestones, working with 300 generous donors and their families while facilitating over 14,250 grafts implanted in Central Texas. Organ, eye, and tissue donation is more than just a medical process; it’s a community-driven effort that brings together donor families, recipients, medical professionals, and transplant coordinators—all working toward the same life-saving goal.^[4]

Important Dates to Remember

Several key dates throughout April highlight the importance of NDLM:^[5]

Donate Life Living Donor Day (April 2, 2025) is dedicated to honoring and thanking living donors for their generosity.
Blue & Green Spirit Week (Begins April 5, 2025) – A week-long celebration featuring themed activities that promote donation awareness.
National Donate Life Blue & Green Day (April 11, 2025) – A nationwide event encouraging people to wear blue and green to support organ, eye, and tissue donation.
National Pediatric Transplant Week (April 20–26, 2025) – A week focused on ending the pediatric transplant waiting list while sharing stories of young patients and their families.

Joining the Cause

Throughout April, communities across the country host events such as flag-raising ceremonies, educational workshops, and outreach programs to increase awareness and encourage donor registration. These initiatives provide meaningful ways for individuals to show their support and help drive change.^[6]

How OriGen is Involved

Advancements in medical technology continue to enhance the field of donation and transplantation. Cryopreservation is critical in preserving tissues for future use, ensuring that donated tissues remain viable and accessible when needed. OriGen Biomedical supports these advancements with innovative solutions like the TissueVault™ Cell & Tissue Freezing Bag, designed to store tissues at cryogenic temperatures as low as -196°C (-321°F). This technology allows for better inventory management of vital tissues so they are available when patients need them most. Additionally, OriGen supplies CryoPur™ and various accessories to streamline the preservation process.

Many individuals register as donors in Texas while obtaining or renewing their driver’s licenses at the DMV. However, there is still significant work to be done to close the donor gap:^[7]

Every 9 minutes, another person is added to the transplant waiting list.
17 people die each day because the organ they need was not donated in time.
107,000 people are currently on the U.S. transplant waiting list.
44% of adults in Texas are not yet registered donors.

Make the Commitment

oosing to become an organ donor is a selfless decision that has the power to change countless lives. If you’re ready to commit, visit www.RegisterMe.org to register today. For more information about the impact of donation and how you can get involved, explore www.donatelife.net.

This April, let’s take the time to recognize the incredible individuals who have given the ultimate gift—the gift of life. By spreading awareness, advocating for donation, and choosing to register, we can help provide hope and a second chance to those still waiting.

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