Buchanan County Health Center and Iowa Donor Network Inspire Iowa to Donate Life
Buchanan County Health Center (BCHC) 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.
Approximately 69% 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, over 715 of those live right here in Iowa. Unfortunately, not all those waiting will receive an organ in time. On average, 22 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. Buchanan County Health Center employees will take part by participating in National Wear Blue/Green day in honor of donation on Friday, April 13th and encourage the community to do the same. Participants are encouraged to share photos at www.donatelife.net for a chance to win prizes. For more information about Iowa Donor Network activities please visit our website at: www.iowadonornetwork.org.