February 14 is National Donor Day

BOSTON — Two holidays in one.

While many people across the globe will be stuffing their faces with chocolates this Valentine’s Day, Donate America is reminding everyone to help spread the word about the importance of donating an organ.

“National Donor Day” – commemorated on February 14th— is all about raising awareness.

Whether it’s an organ, eye, tissue, blood, platelets and marrow, there currently are more than 120,000 men, women and children waiting for a lifesaving transplant in the United States, according to the United Network for Organ Sharing.

Many will lose their lives waiting for the gift of life.

Did you know that donors can be any age?

Donors are needed for all races and ethnic groups. Evidence suggests that transplant success rates increase when organs are matched between members of the same ethnic background.

These are some things you can do to help:

• Speak Up — If you become a donor, let your loved ones know about your decision to help spread awareness.
• Donate to the Organ Transplant Fund — The Organ Transplant Fund helps pay for Massachusetts residents’ uninsured costs from medically approved transplants. You can donate to the fund directly or make a contribution when you file your income tax return.
• Volunteer — Organ Procurement Organizations (OPOs) are responsible for coordinating organ donations in their local area and educating the public about the need for donors. Volunteers are a vital resource for spreading community awareness. National Donors Day started in 1998.

Millions of people have signed up to be donors in the past 15 years, but millions more are needed.

Another name is added to the national organ transplant waiting list every 10 minutes.

Photos via Flickr