VMH and Iowa Donor Network inspire Iowans to donate life
Veterans Memorial Hospital is joining with Iowa Donor Network to Inspire Iowa to Donate Life during National Donate Life Month this April. Throughout Donate Life Month, we celebrate transplant recipients who have been given a new life, we shine light on the many more who are still waiting, and we honor donors and their families.
Every year since 2002, April has been filled with stories to spread the lifesaving message of donation in order to inspire people to register as organ, eye and tissue donors. You can become a donor by registering at www.iowadonornetwork.org.
Veterans Memorial Hospital encourages community members to register on the Iowa Donor Network to become organ and tissue donors. Last September, the Hospital’s Auxiliary Salad Luncheon featured many local speakers who had been personally touched by organ donation and its importance.
Approximately 72% of adults are registered donors in Iowa. Still, the number of people in need of transplants continues to outpace the number of donor organs. There are 116,000 Americans currently waiting for a life-saving organ transplant, more than 600 of those live right here in Iowa. Unfortunately, not all those waiting will receive an organ in time. On average, 20 people die each day in the United States while waiting for a transplant. It’s our vision that all Iowans are inspired to donate life. Registering your decision to become a donor is the most effective way to ensure you can save lives through donation and serves as a sign of hope for those who continue to wait.
Donate Life Month celebrations will be held at hospitals, EMS agencies and driver’s license stations across Iowa throughout April. Buildings across the state will also Light Up For Life and illuminate their buildings in green through the month. More information can be found at bit.ly/light-up-for-life.
National Wear Blue/Green day in honor of donation will be Friday, April 12. Participants are encouraged to share photos at www.donatelife.net for a chance to win prizes. For more information about Iowa Donor Network activities visit our website at www.iowadonornetwork.org.
