Donate Life Month Raises Awareness for Organ Donation in April

National Donate Life Month

Through a series of events and promotions each April, Legacy of Hope recognizes National Donate Life Month (NDLM). The observation was established by Donate Life America to raise awareness about organ donation, and this annual celebration showcases the perspectives of families and individuals touched by donation and transplantation.

Alabama’s organ procurement organization, Legacy of Hope plans various NDLM promotions and events to educate the public and raise awareness about the need for organ, eye, and tissue donation. Roughly half of the U.S. population are registered as donors, but the number of people in need still exceeds available organs and tissue. On average, 17 people die each day because needed organs are not donated in time, and another person is added to the waiting list every nine minutes. In response to these needs, more and more people make this gift of life each year.

Themes and Color Schemes

Each year, Donate Life America creates a specific inspirational theme for its NDLM promotions. The theme for 2023 is “Make a Splash”, which was inspired by the natural world of a pond coming to life in the spring. Frogs are a sign of healing and renewal, and water lilies represent hope. Lily pads on the surface of a pond are part of a much larger plant rooted below the water. The water lily plant symbolizes the support and collaboration needed for hope to bloom.

National Blue & Green Day specifically works to promote the Donate Life brand through recognition of its official colors. Legacy of Hope plans many promotions around Blue & Green Day, a major event for NDLM that encourages people to register as organ donors.

Schedule of Events

  • Blue & Green Day: Friday, April 14
    Wear blue and green to support the Donate Life message and promote the importance of registering as an organ, eye, and tissue donor. The fountain at The Kirklin Clinic of UAB Hospital will reflect these colors on that day, and the iconic “Birmingham” sign at Regions Field also will glow blue and green. Wear your colors and share photos on social media using the #LegacyofHopeAL hashtag. Need a little inspiration? Watch this video.
  • Celebration of Life picnic: Saturday, April 15, from 11 am to 2 pm on the UAB Campus Green
    All transplant recipients, living donors, donor families, and supporters are invited to this outdoor event featuring food, fun, recognitions, and other events. Click here for more details and to register.
  • Donor Dash for Life 5K run: Saturday, May 6 at 9 am (registration opens at 8 am)
    Donate Life Alabama is proud to present the fourth annual Donor Dash for Life 5K run. Proceeds support donation awareness programs throughout Alabama. Click here for details and to sign up.
  • Flag-raising outside of UAB Hospital’s North Pavilion: Thursday, April 6 at 1:08 pm
    This time represents the impact of organ donation, as one donor can change the lives of up to eight people.
  • UAB Donate Life softball game: Saturday, April 29, at 1 pm
    UAB takes on Louisiana Tech in the annual UAB Donate Life softball game. Cheer on the Blazers while wearing blue and green to support NDLM. Click here for details

Also, consider purchasing a Donate Life Alabama license plate, which is available through the Alabama Department of Revenue’s Motor Vehicle Division and can be pre-ordered online and personalized. The cost is $50, and $41.25 from each purchase is used to support public education about the importance of organ, eye, and tissue donation. Click here for details.

Click here to register as an organ donor, learn more about Legacy of Hope, and find information on getting involved with National Donate Life Month events.

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