Donate Life Month: The Power of Saying “Yes”

Every April, OhioHealth joins organizations across the country to observe National Donate Life Month. This is a time dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of organ, eye, and tissue donation and honor those who have saved lives through the gift of donation.

Established in 2003 by Donate Life America, the campaign inspires people to register as donors and honors those who have already given the ultimate gift: life. It’s a reminder that one "yes" can save much more than one life.

Here in Ohio, the need is real. Approximately 3,000 people are waiting for a lifesaving transplant, with nearly 1,000 of those individuals in central Ohio alone. Every 48 hours, we lose an Ohioan who was waiting.

At OhioHealth, clinicians and caregivers work very closely with Lifeline of Ohio, the nonprofit organization that assists organ donation in central Ohio.

“Donation starts with a yes. And with that yes, I think about all the lives that can be saved and healed,” says Andrew Mullins, Lifeline of Ohio CEO.

He emphasizes that successful donations are a team effort, which makes our partnership even more powerful.

“It takes your doctors, it takes your nurses, your chaplains, and your respiratory therapists. Everyone throughout the entire hospital,” says Mullins

This year marks a notable step forward in access. Thanks to a newly passed legislation ‘House Bill 256’ Ohioans can now register as donors when applying for a fishing or hunting license. Governor Mike DeWine, himself a donor, signed the bill into law earlier this year.

“By educating more people, we increase awareness. The more we increase awareness, the more everyone is informed about the process,” says Mullins.

Whether you’re renewing your driver's license, applying for a fishing license, or simply having a conversation with your family and friends, there are many ways to register and spark the conversation.

To learn more, visit www.lifelineofohio.org.