National Donor Day

On a day when people celebrate love by exchanging flowers and chocolates, there’s another way you can show you care for others – by making a life-saving decision to become an organ donor on February 14.

Never Miss a Beat!

Get Healthy Tips Sent to Your Phone!

Message and data rates may apply. Text the word STOP to opt out and HELP for help. Click here to view the privacy and terms.

What Is National Donor Day?

National Donor Day is observed every year on February 14. It is a day dedicated to raising awareness of the importance of organ, eye, tissue, blood, bone marrow, and platelet donation. National Donor Day is also an opportunity to recognize those who have given the gift of donation, have benefitted from a donation, are currently waiting for a life-saving donation, or did not receive an organ in time.

The Importance of Organ Donation

According to the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), nearly 113,000 people are on the waiting list for an organ transplant. In 2019, over 39,000 life-saving transplants were performed. Another person is added to the waiting list every 10 minutes, and 22 people die every day because the right organ was not available to them in time.

People in need of a life-saving transplant often outnumber organ donors. But just one organ donor, like you, has the potential to save eight lives and help up to 75 more individuals.

How to Register as an Organ Donor

Just about anyone can register to be an organ donor. Very few illnesses and conditions prevent someone from being able to donate an organ and save someone’s life. However, if you are under 18 years old, you will need your parent or guardian’s permission to become a donor. It’s also a good idea to tell someone else, such as a friend or family member, about your decision.

You can select the option to become a donor when applying for or renewing your driver’s license or you can register online.

Becoming an organ donor is another way to show love this Valentine’s Day. Register as an organ, eye, or tissue donor today by visiting UPMC.com/DonateLife.

About Transplant Services

For more than four decades, UPMC Transplant Services has been a leader in organ transplantation. Our clinicians have performed more than 20,000 organ transplant procedures, making UPMC one of the foremost organ transplant centers in the world. We are home to some of the world’s foremost transplant experts and take on some of the most challenging cases. Through research, we have developed new therapies that provide our patients better outcomes — so organ recipients can enjoy better health with fewer restrictions. Above all, we are committed to providing compassionate, complete care that can change – and save – our patients’ lives. Visit our website to find a provider near you.