April 2005 | Vol. 23, No. 4

April is National Donate Life Month

While anytime is a good time to promote organ, tissue, marrow, and blood donations, Donate Life Month each April is a special time for heightened educational activities. SVU encourages its members to take this opportunity to educate your employees and patients about the critical need for donors. Even something simple can have a big impact.

Consider:

• putting a message on all pay check stubs during April
• placing posters in lunchrooms or hallways
• sending a desk-to-desk e-mail to all employees
• sponsor a blood or marrow drive in your area
• have a donor family member, transplant recipient, or living donor speak at a staff meeting
• including an article in your newsletter
• providing your patients with info on donating

If you want to obtain materials such as donor cards, donor pins, or brochures to give to your employees and patients, you can obtain complimentary materials by calling the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) at the U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services toll-free at 1.888.ask.hrsa (888-275-4772), or go to www.ask.hrsa.gov/organ.cfm. In your welcome kit there is a booklet titled, "Help Central." If you call the Organ Procurement Organization (OPO) listed in the booklet for your area, they would be delighted to help you with your efforts and provide speakers and materials. You can also locate your OPO at www.organdonor.gov/opo.htm.

The National Donor Recognition Ceremony is July 22-24, 2005 in Washington, DC.

Every two years, the federal government hosts a major event to honor the nation's living and deceased donors and their families. This 2.5 day event in Washington, DC, at the Omni Shoreham Hotel includes sharing sessions and workshops for attendees, an optional evening bus tour of the Nation's capital, and an opportunity for participants to share their stories and experiences with other donors and family members from around the country. Usually attended by more than 800 people, the Sunday Ceremony is the government's tribute to the courage and generosity of each donor and donor family. While there is no fee to attend the workshops and ceremony, attendees or their sponsors are responsible for their travel, lodging, food, and incidentals. Consider having your hospital or lab sponsor a living donor or donor family member to this very special event in the Nation's capital.

Registration materials for the National Donor Recognition Ceremony will be available later this spring at www.organdonor.gov and www.kidney.org. Questions can be directed to Ms. Joy Demas at 301.443.7050 or jdemas@hrsa.gov.