National Organ Donor Day
Share the gift of life on National Organ Donor Day! Organ donation gives hope to thousands of people waiting for life-saving transplants. This important day raises awareness about organ donation, encourages people to register as donors, and honors the generous donors and recipients whose lives have been forever changed by this ultimate act of giving.
About National Organ Donor Day
Share the gift of life on National Organ Donor Day! Organ donation gives hope to thousands of people waiting for life-saving transplants. This important day raises awareness about organ donation, encourages people to register as donors, and honors the generous donors and recipients whose lives have been forever changed by this ultimate act of giving.
History & origins
National Organ Donor Day is observed on February 14 and is promoted in the United States as a day to encourage organ, eye, and tissue donor registration and public awareness. The observance is tied to Donate Life America and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ organ donation awareness efforts, but its exact founding year and original creator are not clearly documented in the sources available, so its early history is best described as an awareness campaign rather than a formally established holiday. It is especially associated with Valentine’s Day messaging, using the date to highlight the lifesaving impact of donation.
Why it matters
National Organ Donor Day matters because a single donor can help save multiple lives, while many patients remain on transplant waiting lists. The day also helps correct common myths about donation and reminds people to talk with their families about their wishes, which can make the donation process easier if the time ever comes. For hospitals, transplant systems, and donor families, it supports a culture of consent, remembrance, and lifesaving generosity.
How to celebrate
Register as an organ donor and encourage family members to do the same. Learn about organ donation facts and the transplant process. Support organ donation awareness campaigns. Share organ donation information on social media. Honor organ donors and recipients in your community.
Facts
- One organ donor can save up to eight lives
- Over 100,000 Americans are waiting for organ transplants
- Every 10 minutes, someone is added to the organ transplant waiting list
- Organs that can be donated include heart, liver, kidneys, lungs, pancreas, and intestines
- Age is not a barrier to organ donation - people in their 80s have been successful donors
Upcoming dates
- Saturday, February 14, 2026
- Sunday, February 14, 2027
- Monday, February 14, 2028
- Wednesday, February 14, 2029
- Thursday, February 14, 2030
Frequently asked questions
When is National Organ Donor Day 2026?
National Organ Donor Day is on February 14, 2026. It falls on Valentine’s Day, which helps reinforce the theme of giving the gift of life.
What is National Organ Donor Day?
National Organ Donor Day is an awareness day that encourages people to register as organ, eye, and tissue donors. It also honors donors, recipients, and families affected by transplantation.
Who started National Organ Donor Day?
The exact founder is unclear, and no single person is consistently credited in the available primary sources. The observance is closely promoted by Donate Life America and supported by U.S. donation-awareness efforts.
How do you celebrate National Organ Donor Day?
You can celebrate by registering as a donor, telling your family your wishes, and sharing accurate donation information. Wearing blue and green and supporting transplant awareness campaigns are also common ways to participate.
Is National Organ Donor Day the same as Donate Life Month?
No, it is not the same observance. National Organ Donor Day is on February 14, while Donate Life Month is observed in April to broaden awareness about organ, eye, and tissue donation.
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