In recognition of National Donate Life Month, which is observed every April to raise awareness about organ, eye, and tissue donation, the hospital in Redding, Mercy Medical Center, will be illuminated with blue and green lights. This lighting is a tribute to those who have saved lives through donating and to honor the critical need for organ donation.
According to Donor Network West, there are currently over 100,000 people on the national transplant waiting list, with over 20,000 Californians and nearly 300 Nevadans waiting for organ transplants. Sadly, 17 people die every day while waiting for a transplant. In 2023, Dignity Health facilitated the gifts of 473 organ donors, resulting in 1,358 transplanted organs and directly impacting the lives of 1,188 organ transplant recipients.
Each donor has the potential to save up to eight lives and improve the lives of over 75 others through tissue donation. By shedding light on this important cause, organizations like Dignity Health hope to inspire others to make a lifesaving decision and register as organ donors. National Donate Life Month seeks to educate the public about the critical need for organ donation and encourage more people to become organ donors.