A month to honor and celebrate.
Here in Virginia, April is a beautiful time of year. The weather gets warmer. Nature awakens from its winter slumber. And life flourishes all around. But maybe the most important thing about April is that it’s National Donate Life Month (NDLM).
For National Donate Life Month 2023, Donate Life America was inspired by the natural world of a pond coming to life in the spring.
Frogs (and toads!) are a sign of healing and renewal, and water lilies represent hope. The lily pads we see on the surface of a pond are part of a much larger plant rooted below the water. The water lily plant reminds us of the support and collaboration needed for hope to bloom.
During this month-long celebration, you can take part in several events and activities designed to honor those who have saved lives through the gift of organ donation. We also encourage everyone to register as an organ, eye and tissue donor. Here are some reasons why registering right now is more important than ever:
- Of the 100,000 U.S residents waiting for a lifesaving transplant, 2,400 live right here in Virginia.
- 17 people die each day because the organ they need is not donated in time.
- Another person is added to the waiting list every 9 minutes.
- Only 55% of Virginians have signed up to be organ, eye and tissue donors.
- One organ donor can save and heal more than 75 lives.
If you haven’t already, please update your donor registration. It takes less than a minute, gives hope to those who are waiting and builds stronger communities here in Virginia. And that is truly beautiful.
Days Worth Celebrating
During NDLM, there are several ways you can help us spread the word, educate others about donation and encourage small steps towards saving more lives. Be sure to mark your calendar!
Living Donor Day
Wednesday, April 5, 2023
Not every transplant is the result of a deceased donor. Some are acquired from living donors who donate an organ, or part of an organ, to a person in need of a transplant. Whether it’s a relative, a spouse, a friend or even a complete stranger, living donors deserve to be celebrated. So join us on Living Donor Day when we say “thanks” to these lifesaving heroes for their generosity!
Blue & Green Spirit Week
April 8-14, 2023
Get in the spirit and join us for an entire week of celebrations. We’ll recognize the donors, volunteers and healthcare heroes who make second chances possible and encourage others to sign up and give hope to those who are waiting. Follow along on our Instagram, Facebook and Twitter feeds and help us spread the word!
National Donate Life Blue & Green Day
Friday, April 14, 2023
Add some color to your week! Wear something blue and green and share our messages on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to promote the importance of registering as an organ, eye and tissue donor.
National Pediatric Transplant Week
April 23-29, 2023
Follow our Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages for inspiring stories from donor families whose children have saved and healed lives as well as recipient families who share their thanks and celebrate milestones.
Make A Splash
For National Donate Life Month (NDLM) 2023, Donate Life America was inspired by the natural world of a pond coming to life in the spring.
Frogs (and toads!) are a sign of healing and renewal, and water lilies represent hope. The lily pads we see on the surface of a pond are part of a much larger plant rooted below the water. The water lily plant reminds us of the support and collaboration needed for hope to bloom.
This National Donate Life Month, we ask you to be a part of this interconnected life-sustaining community by registering as an organ, eye and tissue donor; becoming educated about living donation; and championing the Donate Life cause.
Donate Life Toolkit
Want to create and share your own content?
Download our official Donate Life graphics to use on your social channels.
Facebook, Instagram & Twitter graphics
(802 KB .zip file — English + Spanish)
8"x10" posters
(554 KB .zip file — English + Spanish)