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ITD to support in 'Donate Life' month

ITD, which has been honored as a regional leader in facilitating the donation of organs, tissue and eyes, will join Inland Donor Services to draw attention to National Donate Life Month in April. The month-long educational campaign draws attention to the importance of signing up on the "Yes Idaho Donor Registry" as a way of sharing life.

A kickoff event is planned Thursday (March 31) at the Ada County Driver License office, 400 N. Benjamin Lane, Suite 101 in Boise. The 10:30 a.m. event will include a presentation by Kelly Duren, a donor mother, who will share the story of her son Rocky and his decision to register as an organ donor. Kelly’s son, Rocky, was killed in a motorcycle accident in 2006. Because of his decision to be an organ and tissue donor, he was able to give the ‘gift of life’ to seven people and restore sight to two others. Kelly has become a strong advocate of organ donation.

One of the barriers that prevents people from signing up on the donor registry is lack of knowledge and information. April has been designated as National Donate Life Month in an effort to educate people about the need for donation, clear up long standing myths and misconceptions and to honor the donors who have saved and improved the lives of those waiting for an organ or tissue.

Many people make their decision to be a donor when they receive or renew their driver license or state ID card. Driver license offices throughout Idaho will have brochures with information about organ donation available for their customers. In addition, each ITD employee will be given a “Yes Idaho” pin to wear throughout the month of April.

Idaho recently was one of seven states to receive a national award for the performance of the Donor Registry. While this is a great honor and accomplishment, there is still a lot of education that needs to take place. Currently in the United States, there are more than 110,000 people waiting for a life saving transplant. Every organ donor has the potential to save nine lives through organ donation and benefit many others through tissue donation. Each person can make a difference.

ITD divisions and districts statewide will receive posters that explain the program and encourage employees to consider donating to the organ donor program through “Yes Idaho Donor Registry.”

Licensed Idaho drivers can indicate their decision to share the gift of life on their driver's licenses. Approximately 60 percent of Idaho drivers have signed up as donors, making Idaho one of the national leaders.

ITD has coordinated the registry program with county driver’s license offices the past 10 years.

To learn more about organ, eye or tissue donation or to register on the Yes Idaho Donor Registry, log on to www.yesidaho.org or call 1-866-YES-IDAHO (937-4324).