Give the Gift of Life: Organ, Tissue, and Blood Donation

Chocolates and flowers are great for Valentine’s Day, but a truly life-changing gift is organ, tissue, or blood donation. For people in need, a donor can offer life-saving treatment or free someone from dialysis. Valentine’s Day is also National Donor Day—a perfect time for blood drives and signing up for organ and tissue donation.

Why Donation Matters

Imagine kidney failure requiring 12 + hours of dialysis each week, yet still facing a premature death. Or liver failure causing nausea, itching, and confusion, with death only weeks away. Bone marrow transplants can cure certain cancers; corneal transplants can restore vision. Despite these needs, the number of waiting recipients far exceeds available donors.

  • Over 103,000 people await organ transplants in the US.
  • About 6,200 die each year still waiting.
  • Although ~90% of Americans support organ donation, only ~40% are registered.

What You Can Donate

A single donor can help 80 + people. Donations after death include:

  • Organs: heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, pancreas, intestines
  • Tissues: corneas, skin, bone, tendons, heart valves, veins

Living donations may include:

  • One kidney
  • Part of the liver
  • Bone marrow or blood stem cells
  • Blood

Debunking Common Misconceptions

  • Donor status never jeopardizes medical care.
  • Major religions allow and support organ donation.
  • Open‐casket funerals remain possible after donation.

Eligibility and Risks for Live Donors

  • Active cancer, widespread infection, or unhealthy organs typically disqualify donors.
  • Age alone does not disqualify—you can donate well into your 90s.
  • Bone marrow donations are less common after age 55–60 due to lower transplant success.

Compatibility and Equity

Match success depends on HLA typing (genetically determined cell‐surface proteins). Close relatives often match best, but unrelated donors can, too. Lower donor rates in communities of color worsen health disparities—increasing the need for more diverse registrants.

How to Register

In the US, you must opt in to be a posthumous donor. Visit your state registry or Donate Life America to sign up—this Valentine’s Day, give the ultimate gift of life.