The Alabama Organ Center, in conjunction with Donate Life America, is celebrating National Donate Life Month by encouraging all Alabamians to register to give the gift of life to someone in need.
“One of the greatest gifts we can leave our fellow man upon death is an opportunity to extend the lives of others by donating our organs and tissues to those in need,” said Chris Meeks, executive director of the Alabama Organ Center. “We are humbled by the generous nature of the residents of Alabama who have already registered their decision to be organ donors, and we would love for those who have not yet done so to join them and all of the families who support organ, eye and tissue donation and register to be a donor today.”
Those who wish to register to be an organ, eye and tissue donor can do so online at www.alabamaorgancenter.org.
National Blue & Green Day will be celebrated Friday, April 13. In an effort to promote organ, eye, tissue and living donation, supporters will wear blue and green. Several locations across the state will be blue and/or green on and around April 13, including:
- RSA Tower in Montgomery
- Renaissance Mobile Riverview Plaza Hotel
- Children’s of Alabama
- The Kirklin Clinic of UAB Hospital Fountain
- Iconic Birmingham Sign at Regions Field
- REV Birmingham’s “Birmingham Lights” four tunnels at 14th, 18th, 20th and 22nd streets
- Vestavia Hills Southern Gateway and Sibyl Temple
“The act of registering your decision to be an organ, eye and tissue donor takes less than a minute,” Meeks said. “This one action can serve as a lifesaving opportunity for those in need. One donor can save or enhance the lives of more than 75 people.”
You can register to be an organ, eye and tissue donor at www.alabamaorgancenter.org.
Currently, 56 percent of the U.S. adult population are registered organ, eye and tissue donors, 35 percent in Alabama. However, the number of people in need of transplants continues to outpace the number of organs donated. More than 114,000 people nationally are waiting for a transplant and a second chance at life. On average, 20 people die each day because the organ they need is not donated in time. That is almost one person dying every hour. Registering to become a donor is the most effective way to save lives through donation and is a sign of support to those who continue to wait.
For more or to register, visit the Alabama Organ Center.