National Donate Life Month was established by Donate Life America and its partnering organizations in 2003 and is observed in April each year. It helps raise awareness about donation; encourages Americans to register as organ, eye and tissue donors; and honors those who have saved lives through the gift of donation.

About 100,000 people are currently on the national organ transplant waiting list. 86% of the people who are waiting are in need of a kidney. In 2022, the U.S. reached a historic milestone, achieving its 1 millionth organ transplant, more than any other country in the world.

In Massachusetts, hospitals across the state celebrated National Donate Life Month in various ways. Baystate Health raised the Donate Life flag (right) to honor the extraordinary generosity of organ and tissue donors.

When UMass Memorial Health – Harrington – Southbridge Campus experienced the heartbreaking loss of a patient, the family chose to honor their legacy through the gift of organ donation.

The hospital’s nursing leadership team quickly organized a hero walk, and caregivers lined the hallways (below) in a powerful show of respect, compassion, and gratitude for this extraordinary act of generosity.

Tufts Medical Center recognized Donate Life Month by bringing together patients, families, and the hospital’s transplant team for a ceremony focused on the impact of organ donation.

The event included remarks from the mother of an organ donor and from Mark Arold (below), a kidney and heart transplant recipient whose recovery journey included climbing Mt. Washington.

TMC also raised the Donate Life flag, honoring donors and the lives they continue to touch.