National Donor Day: How To Raise Awareness And Honor Donors

National Donor Day takes place on February 14th and serves as a way to celebrate all the generous people who have donated organs and tissue to people in need.  Donor organs save millions of lives. However, people may not realize how many organs can be donated and the significant difference that organ donors can make in the lives of others. Below, explore the history behind National Donor Day, strategies to raise awareness about the value of organ and tissue donation, and ways to celebrate donor families. 

Are you concerned about organ donation?

Connect with a counselor

When did National Donor Day begin?

National Donor Day began in 2006 with the collaboration of Saturn Corporation and the United Auto Workers. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services support and several nonprofit health organizations also played an important role in the establishment of this important day that honors people who have given the gift of life. 

Organ, eye, and tissue donation and transplantation

According to Donate Life America, “every donor can save eight lives and enhance over 75 more.” While many people may be aware of what certain donated organs can do, they may not be aware of how many organs can be donated to save or enhance the lives of others, as organ donation is more than just a heart that can be transplanted. The following are some other organs that can be donated:

• Lungs
• Liver
• Kidneys
• Pancreas
• Intestines

How can you raise awareness of organ donation on National Donor Day?

Many healthcare and first responder organizations participate in National Donor Day. One possible way to raise awareness is to participate in their campaigns by posting online to maximize reach. While doing so might not seem to make a tangible difference, every person who decides to donate their organs can save several lives. 

Another way to raise awareness is to start your own campaign. You might consider starting a campaign among coworkers and friends to encourage people to consider becoming organ donors. You can post National Donor Day graphics or compile a brief list of compelling statistics to share via WhatsApp and social media. In some cases, reminding people of all the people who have died waiting for a transplant may be helpful, conveying the gravity of the situation and inspiring people to consider donating their organs.  

You can also consider volunteering for Donate Life America. This organization has a website with the contact information of leaders of Donate Life State Teams, who can offer information about volunteer opportunities to encourage donor registration. 

Statistics about organ and tissue donation

A message about organ donation might be much more persuasive with numbers that stand out to people. The following statistics may encourage people to consider becoming organ donors.

• As many as 20 people per day die while waiting for an organ donation. 
• Just one organ donor has the capacity to save eight lives. 
• Over 100,000 people are waiting for an organ transplant.
• Approximately 5,600 Americans per year die while waiting for a transplant. 
• In 2022, the United States achieved its one-millionth transplant. 
• Approximately 70% of individuals who need a bone marrow transplant don’t have a family member who is a matching donor. 

It may also help to share with people that not all donors are deceased. Living donors sometimes decide to make a donation of a kidney, part of their liver, or tissue to a friend, family member, or stranger in need. 

Talk to a therapist 

In some cases, people interested in organ or tissue donation have a loved one who requires a transplant or who has recently donated organs. Both of these situations can lead to challenging emotions. Also, people who have recently received a donation may experience a mix of emotions. In all of these cases, it may help to speak with a mental health professional to process your emotions. This may help not only before an organ donation or transplant but also afterward—for both donors and recipients. 

Are you concerned about organ donation?

Connect with a counselor

Online therapy

For some, traditional in-office therapy may not be feasible during the donation period, or it may not be comfortable for all people. Some people may feel more comfortable with online therapy through a platform like BetterHelp. Online therapy allows you to communicate with a therapist via phone, video, or live chat. You can also reach out to your therapist 24/7 through in-app messaging, and the therapist will respond as soon as they can. This option may be especially useful if you experience challenging emotions related to organ or tissue donation in between therapy sessions.

In recent years, several studies have demonstrated online therapy's effectiveness. One study published in 2017 found that internet-based cognitive-behavioral therapy (ICBT) was effective for anxiety, depression, adjustment disorder, and other mental disorders. The study’s authors stated, “ICBT has been effective in managing the comorbid mental health conditions of medical illnesses such as depression in patients with diabetes mellitus.” Diabetes sometimes leads to the need for a kidney transplant in some patients. Online therapy might be a valuable tool for people going through the transplant process. 

Takeaway

National Donor Day can serve as an opportunity to spread awareness about the importance of organ donation. This event can also be a time to celebrate all the people who have donated organs and allowed for a life-saving transplant. If you are experiencing conflicting emotions about a transplant for you or someone else, know that you don’t have to face it alone. Help is available through therapy in both local and online communities. Take the first step by reaching out to a therapist online or in your area today.