Officials speak about National Donor Day

EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (WEAU) – Valentine’s Day is typically a day to be with loved ones and spread love all around.

Health officials are giving the reminder that there’s also love in donations, as today is also National Donor Day.

Officials from the American Red Cross and UW Organ and Tissue Donations talk about why giving blood, organs, tissue, marrow or even platelets can save lives.

While February 14 is known to many as a day of love, Samantha Taylor, a donation support specialist with UW Organ and Tissue Donation says “it’s a great day that we’re likely spending time with people we care about.”

The day can also be known as a day of life.

“Creates a really nice opportunity to talk about things that are important to us. And one of those things we should be talking about is, our decision on organ donation.” Taylor said.

She says that organ donation is a very rare occurrence throughout the United States, yet many people are in need.

“Only about 3% of the population will die in the way that is necessary for a person to be able to give the gifts of solid organs, yet the need is great. There are over 103,000 people in this country that need a life saving transplant. And that’s adults and children. There are about 1,400 people here in Wisconsin alone than need a life saving transplant.” she said.

Adding that the gap between those who are in need and those who are willing to give, is huge.

Taylor said “Every donation opportunity, is critical.”

However, organs aren’t the only thing that can save lives when donating. Given that blood is a key component in human health.

Executive Director for the American Red Cross northwest Wisconsin chapter Mary Jane Thomsen explained what blood donations can do to help.

“It makes a difference in someone who needs a life saving blood transfusion, whether it’s for a scheduled surgery, whether it’s for an emergency situation, and yes also as we talk about today, organ transplants.” Thomsen said.

She says that blood donations year-round have continued to save lives.

“The fact that it is National Donor Day, we are hoping that that will help somebody come in, roll up their sleeve and donate blood in the near future.” she said.

In addition, she says blood donations are also helpful for patients in cancer treatments and that the American Red Cross is one organization responsible for keeping hospitals stocked.

“Make sure that they have the blood and platelets for their hospitals and the patients, it’s about the patients.” Thomsen said.

So whether you’re celebrating love or life on Friday…

Thomsen said “know that you’re giving the perfect gift for those in need of life saving transfusions.”

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