April marks National Donate Life Month (NDLM), a time dedicated to honoring organ, eye, and tissue donors, celebrating the lives saved through donation, and encouraging individuals to register as donors.
Today (Wed) at 1 p.m. Pacific Time, the Yes Idaho Donate Life Coalition will recognize key contributors for their ongoing efforts to raise awareness and inspire Idaho residents to give the gift of life when obtaining or renewing their driver’s license. The ceremony will take place at ITD Headquarters, 11331 W. Chinden Boulevard, building 8, Boise.
Across the nation, more than 100,000 people are currently waiting for a life-saving organ transplant, and thousands more are in need of tissue and cornea donations to restore health and sight. A single donor can save up to eight lives through organ donation and enhance the lives of more than 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; in critical moments, that symbol gives medical teams clear, immediate authorization to honor a person’s decision and help someone in need. This is one of the highest rates in the country, again, thanks to the staff at ITD and county DMV offices.
“Our teams interact with Idahoans every day, and those simple conversations at the counter make a real difference,” said Lisa McClellan, DMV Administrator. “When customers ask about the heart on their license, our staff help them understand what it means. Their commitment supports a choice that can save lives across our state.”
Because of the generosity of Idahoans, the state saw 73 organ donors, saving approximately 292 lives; each donor saving an average of four people.
“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 say “yes” on their driver license.”
Additionally, 351 cornea donors restored vision for roughly 702 recipients, and 191 tissue donors provided grafts that could improve the lives of up to 14,325 people.
Registering as an organ, eye, and tissue donor is simple and can be completed online at www.yesidaho.org or through the DMV when obtaining or renewing a driver’s license. Each registration brings renewed hope to those awaiting a second chance at life.
