Boise, ID — April marks National Donate Life Month, a time to honor organ, eye, and tissue donors, celebrate lives saved through donation, and encourage individuals to register as donors.
Wednesday, April 1, Governor Brad Little and “The Yes Idaho Donate Life Coalition” are joining the nationwide effort to raise awareness and inspire more people to give the gift of life.
Governor Little will be signing a proclamation Proclaiming April is Donate Life Month in Idaho at 3:30pm outside the Governor’s Office.
“National Donate Life Month is an opportunity to recognize the power of organ and tissue donation and the incredible generosity of those who choose to save lives,” said Alex McDonald, a member of the Yes Idaho Donate Life Coalition. “We encourage everyone to learn about donation, share their decision with loved ones, and register as a donor. We are excited to have Governor Little’s participation in this event.”
Currently, more than 100,000 people in the United States are waiting for a life-saving organ transplant, while thousands more require tissue and cornea donations to restore health and sight. One donor can save up to eight lives through organ donation and enhance the lives of over 75 people through tissue donation.
Last year in Idaho, 55% of individuals obtaining or renewing their driver’s license chose to save lives by having a heart placed on their license. Thanks to the generosity of Idahoans, there were 73 organ donors, resulting in approximately 292 lives saved—each donor saving an average of four lives.
Additionally, 351 individuals became cornea donors, restoring vision for approximately 702 recipients. Tissue donation also had a significant impact, with 191 tissue donors providing skin, tendon, and bone grafts to help improve the lives of up to 14,325 people. Each tissue donor can benefit as many as 75 individuals in need.
Registering as an organ, eye, and tissue donor is simple and can be done online at www.yesidaho.org or through the DMV when obtaining or renewing a driver’s license. Every registration brings hope to those waiting for a second chance at life.
The Yes Idaho Donate Life Coalition is made up of seven non-profit organizations. Three organ procurement organizations, two eye banks and three tissues. DonorConnect recovers both organs and tissues.
For more information write to alex@envisonsight.org or call 801-599-9937.
(3) comments
I WAS an organ donor until my sister-in-law passed away. After a week of keeping her on life support while they were "getting things ready," my brother asked to turn off life support (he was footing the bill for her life support). The people in charge of organ donation coldly informed him that he had no right to determine what was done with her, and they would keep her on life support as long as they wanted. He promptly got a lawyer, and lo and behold, within 24 hours, they had everything lined up for harvesting. After seeing the way he and his wife were treated, I am no longer a donor.
Will put “heart” on my drivers license. BUT only after every single Idahoan has the same health coverage as Governor Little of better, including vision and hearing. Yes, Idaho! Save lives with a medicare for all single payer system. Functional health-care instead of a corporate profit-care.
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Here is a story for you to read before you sign up for the organ donation:
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“Kentucky man declared brain dead ‘woke up’ during organ harvesting.”
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www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/oct/18/kentucky-man-wakes-up-organ-harvesting
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www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2024/10/16/nx-s1-5113976/organ-transplantion-mistake-brain-dead-surgery-still-alive
www.wkyt.com/2024/10/18/they-finally-stopped-procedure-because-he-was-showing-too-many-signs-life-family-fights-organ-procurement-organizations-reform/
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