National Organ Donor Day (February 14th)

Quick facts
When is it?	Every February 14th
What are the websites?	organdonationalliance.org/insight/february-14-is-national-donor-day organdonor.gov
It's also known as:	National Donor Day
Tagged as:	Body & Health Charity Life & Living
What are the hashtags?	#NationalOrganDonorDay #NationalDonorDay
When was it founded?	1998
Who founded it?	Saturn Corporation, United Auto Workers (UAW), and US Department of Health and Human Services
We first published this page on:	Dec 23rd, 2017
We last updated this page:	Jan 16th, 2026

Contents

National Organ Donor Day is an important time that celebrates all those people who have helped save people’s lives by donating not only organs but also blood, bone marrow, and tissue.

It’s a day that drives home exactly how amazing and giving the human spirit is because it pays tribute to so many people who have donated of themselves, often to help save the life of someone they have probably never met.

How to Celebrate National Organ Donor Day

So, what are some of the best ways to celebrate National Organ Donor Day? It’s quite easy to get started by implementing some of these ideas and activities:

Become an Organ Donor

Many people’s lives are saved through the process of organ donation, and National Organ Donor Day is just the time to raise awareness about this process.

Most of the time, those who become a registered organ donor can do so fairly easily, simply by indicating it on their state id card or driver’s license.

When a person is an organ donor, this means that if something happens to lead to their death, their organs can be used to save the lives of many other people. It’s a final type of kindness at the end of life.

Donate Blood

Don’t worry! It isn’t necessary to immediately go out and actually find someone who needs an organ. At first it is possible to take a small step by donating some blood, which is a mostly painless process (except for a small prick of the needle).

Even though it is a fairly simple process, a pint of blood could be instrumental in someone’s health and life because blood transfusions are responsible for saving millions of lives annually.

Finding out where it is possible to donate blood on a local level is relatively simple. It’s easy to conduct an online search to find out where to donate in your local area.

Another option might be to speak to your doctor, who should be able to give all the donation information that is needed.

There are also apps available that not only show how many people require a certain blood type at any one time but also organ, tissue, and marrow requirements.

Make a Financial Contribution

Those who are not able to donate blood or become organ donors for various medical reasons can still celebrate National Organ Donor Day by helping out some of the charitable foundations dedicated to the cause.

Organ donation is an expensive medical procedure and the people with life-threatening illnesses often don’t have the financial resources needed.

In this case, charities often step in to help offset the costs. The American Transplant Foundation and Donate Life America are just two such organizations that assist those who are in need.

Those who are very serious about National Organ Donor Day may consider becoming a living donor. Often, living donors are people who are family members or relatives of a person who needs a life-saving organ, but this isn’t always the case. It is also possible to sign up through a living donor bank.

The process requires some lab tests (blood or tissue) to reveal compatible types. Then, the donor’s name goes onto a list to see if someone of that type needs an organ, with the kidney being the most common.

It is important that those who volunteer as donors are aware of the risks and difficulties that can be associated with such a procedure. But, for those who are willing, it is truly amazing to give the gift of life!

National Organ Donor Day Timeline

1902

First Successful Kidney Autotransplant in a Dog

French surgeon Alexis Carrel develops vascular suturing techniques and performs kidney autotransplants in animals, laying surgical groundwork for human organ transplantation.[1]

1954

First Successful Human Kidney Transplant

Dr. Joseph Murray and his team in Boston performed the first successful kidney transplant between identical twins Ronald and Richard Herrick, proving organ transplantation can sustain long-term human life.[2]

1967

First Successful Human Heart Transplant

South African surgeon Christiaan Barnard performs the world’s first successful human-to-human heart transplant in Cape Town, marking a dramatic advance in cardiac surgery and transplant medicine.[3]

1968

Harvard Criteria Establish Brain Death Concept

A Harvard Medical School ad hoc committee publishes a landmark report defining irreversible coma (brain death), providing an ethical and legal basis for organ recovery from heart-beating deceased donors.[4]

1979

Spain Adopts Presumed-Consent Organ Donation Law

Spain passes national legislation establishing presumed consent for deceased organ donation, a framework that later helps the country achieve some of the world’s highest donation rates.[5]

1984

National Organ Transplant Act Creates U.S. System

The United States enacts the National Organ Transplant Act, banning organ sales and authorizing a national Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network, administered by UNOS.

1986

Launch of the U.S. National Waiting List and OPTN

The United Network for Organ Sharing begins operating the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network and the first national computerized waiting list, standardizing organ allocation in the U.S.

History of National Organ Donor Day

Referred to by some as simply “National Donor Day”, this day got its beginnings in 1998 when it was founded by the Saturn Corporation in partnership with the United Auto Workers (UAW) union organization.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services joined their effort, providing significant support. This partnership helped bring attention to the life-saving importance of organ, eye, tissue, marrow, platelet, and blood donations.

The first National Donor Day included a special stamp issued by the U.S. Postal Service. This stamp celebrated organ donors and helped spread the word about the cause.

The day quickly gained momentum. It became a major event each year on February 14. It now coincides with Valentine’s Day, symbolizing love and the gift of life.

National Donor Day encourages people to register as donors and to discuss their wishes with family members.

Chris Klug, an Olympic snowboarder and liver transplant recipient, became the day’s spokesman. He promoted the importance of donation, sharing his own life-saving experience.

His story inspired many to register as donors, highlighting how one person’s decision can save multiple lives.

National Organ Donor Day is all about being selfless and giving of yourself to save another person’s life. It’s a celebration of everything that is wonderful about humanity, and a day everyone should be celebrating.

Other days commemorating donation include India’s National Organ Donation Day (sometimes called World Organ Donation Day) on November 27 as well as the Canadian celebration of National Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Week that takes place each year in April.

Facts About National Organ Donor Day

Organ donation is one of the most powerful ways a single decision can save and improve lives. Behind every transplant is a combination of medical progress, ethical debate, public policy, and human generosity. The facts below highlight how organ donation works in practice, why shortages still exist worldwide, and how science and systems have evolved to make transplantation safer and more successful for patients today.

Organs From One Donor Can Help Dozens of People

A single deceased organ donor can save up to eight lives through solid organ transplants, but the potential impact goes much further: donated corneas can restore sight, and tissues such as skin, bone, heart valves, and tendons can help or heal more than 75 additional people through reconstructive and life‑improving procedures.
Rejection Was the Main Barrier to Early Transplants

The first long‑term successful kidney transplant in 1954 worked largely because it took place between identical twins, which minimized immune rejection; for non‑twin patients, transplantation only became routinely feasible after the introduction of immunosuppressive drugs like azathioprine in the early 1960s and, later, cyclosporine in the 1980s, which dramatically improved graft survival.
Organ Shortage Is a Structural Global Problem

Worldwide, only about 10% of the need for organ transplantation is currently being met, according to the World Health Organization’s data on transplantation; this global shortfall persists despite growth in transplant programs, reflecting limitations in donation systems, infrastructure, and public awareness across many countries.
Presumed-Consent Laws Can Boost Donation Rates

Countries such as Spain, which use an “opt‑out” or presumed‑consent system for deceased donation combined with well‑organized hospital coordination, consistently record some of the world’s highest deceased donor rates—Spain reported over 46 deceased donors per million population in 2019, roughly double the rate in many opt‑in countries like the United States.
Living Kidney Donors Generally Fare Well Long-Term

Large cohort studies following tens of thousands of living kidney donors show that, while donors have a slightly higher relative risk of end‑stage kidney disease compared with carefully matched healthy non‑donors, their absolute risk remains low, and overall life expectancy and quality of life are similar to or better than the general population, reflecting strict selection and long‑term follow‑up.
Modern Machine Perfusion Can “Recondition” Organs

New preservation technologies, such as normothermic machine perfusion, keep organs like livers and kidneys supplied with warm, oxygenated blood outside the body, allowing clinicians to test function and sometimes repair damage; trials have shown that machine‑perfused livers are less likely to fail immediately after transplant and can safely extend preservation times beyond what is possible with traditional ice storage.
Religions Often Frame Donation as an Act of Charity

Many major religious bodies, including the Vatican, prominent Jewish authorities, and leading Islamic councils, have issued statements supporting organ donation as a form of charity or saving life, provided it respects the dignity of the donor; for example, a 1986 ruling by the Islamic Fiqh Council of the Muslim World League declared both living and deceased donation permissible under specific ethical conditions.

National Organ Donor Day FAQs

How did the first successful organ transplant come about?

In 1954, Dr. Joseph Murray performed the first successful kidney transplant between identical twins, Ronald and Richard Herrick.

This groundbreaking procedure demonstrated that organ transplantation could save lives.

Are there any cultural beliefs that influence organ donation?

Yes, cultural beliefs significantly impact organ donation rates. For instance, some cultures view the body as sacred and prefer it to remain intact after death, leading to lower donation rates.

Conversely, cultures that emphasize communal support may have higher donation rates.

What are some unique ways countries promote organ donation?

In Spain, a presumed consent system exists, meaning all citizens are considered donors unless they opt out. This approach has led to one of the highest organ donation rates globally.

Is it true that certain animals have been organ donors?

Yes, in xenotransplantation, organs from animals, like pigs, have been used experimentally to replace human organs. While still in research stages, this field holds potential for addressing organ shortages.

Can someone donate an organ while still alive?

Absolutely. Living donors can donate a kidney, a portion of their liver, lung, pancreas, or intestine. This act can significantly reduce waiting times for recipients.

Are there any myths about organ donation that need debunking?

A common myth is that doctors won’t work as hard to save a registered donor’s life. In reality, medical teams prioritize saving lives, and donation is only considered after all lifesaving efforts fail.

How has technology impacted organ donation?

Advancements like 3D printing are being explored to create organ scaffolds, potentially reducing the reliance on human donors in the future.

Are there any notable stories of organ donation in history?

In 1967, Dr. Christiaan Barnard performed the first successful human heart transplant in South Africa, marking a significant milestone in medical history.

How do different religions view organ donation?

Many religions, including Christianity, Islam, and Judaism, support organ donation as an act of charity and saving lives. However, interpretations can vary, so individuals are encouraged to consult their faith leaders.

What is the impact of organ donation on recipients’ lives?

Organ donation can drastically improve or save recipients’ lives, allowing them to return to normal activities and spend more time with loved ones.