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Save lives by saying yes to organ, eye, and tissue donation

One person can make a life-changing difference for others by saying “yes” to being an organ donor.

ITD reminds driver’s license holders that April is the 10th annual National Donate Life Month and that it’s easy to register for the life-saving donor program when renewing or applying for a new driver’s license.

“It is easy to sign up and save lives,” said Dixie Madsen, of the Yes! Idaho Donate Life Coalition. “There are a couple of ways to sign up. Say “yes” on your driver license, call 1-866-YES-IDAHO and request a form, or go online to www.yesidaho.org. It only takes a couple of minutes.”

“If you recently got or renewed your driver license and didn’t indicate a decision to become a donor, just go online and sign up. You won’t have to renew your driver license,” she explained.

Last year, Idaho was one of only 10 states in the country to be recognized with a gold medal for helping citizens become donors. ITD provides drivers an opportunity through “Yes! Idaho” to register for the program renewing or applying for a new driver’s license.

“The support of ITD has been amazing. Because they care so much, many more lives have been saved,” Madsen said.

Nationwide, donor registration rates average 44.5 percent, but 62 percent of Idahoans 18 years and older said yes to the donation option in 2012. There are 110 million registered donors in the U.S., with 717,520 from Idaho.

Originally a weeklong observance, Donate Life was officially recognized as a month-long event in 2003. The celebration commemorates those who have received or continue to wait for lifesaving transplants. It also is an opportunity to renew commitment to saving lives.