National Donate Life Month: Why April Matters for Organ Donation

Every April, the nation observes National Donate Life Month — a month-long campaign coordinated by Donate Life America to raise awareness about organ, eye, and tissue donation. For us at YCOD, April is our biggest month. It's when I pour everything into organizing events, amplifying our advocacy, and working to turn awareness into action. Because here's the thing: 17 people die every day waiting for organs, and awareness months only matter if they lead to systemic change.

History of Donate Life Month

National Donate Life Month was established in 2003 by Donate Life America, a nonprofit alliance of organ procurement organizations, transplant centers, and other stakeholders. The observance grew from National Organ and Tissue Donor Awareness Week, first proclaimed by President Reagan in 1983. Today, it is one of the most recognized health awareness months in the country, with events held at hospitals, schools, community centers, and state capitals nationwide.

"National Donate Life Month is about more than awareness — it's about action. Every person who registers as an organ donor during April is helping to save a life." — Donate Life America

The Blue and Green

The Donate Life blue and green colors become visible across the country in April. Landmarks are lit up in blue and green. Social media turns blue and green with profile picture frames and awareness posts. Schools hold assemblies, hospitals host events, and communities come together to honor donors and support recipients. I love seeing this energy — but I always remind our YCOD members that this isn't just about colors and campaigns. It's about changing the system, not just raising awareness. The visual campaign is powerful, but what we really need is policy change.

YCOD's April Campaign

Here's what I organize our team around every April:

School presentations: Our members visit high schools and colleges across New York to educate students about organ donation and our advocacy for opt-out legislation.

Social media blitz: We share daily facts, stories, and calls to action throughout April, reaching thousands of young people.

Letter-writing days: We organize events where students write letters to their state legislators supporting Bill A07954.

Donor registration drives: We partner with Donate Life to host registration events on college campuses.

"April gives us a platform. But our work doesn't stop when the month ends. We advocate for opt-out organ donation 365 days a year." — YCOD member

How You Can Participate

Whether or not it's April, you can make a difference — and I mean that. Register as an organ donor. Talk to your family about your wishes. Write to your state legislators in support of opt-out organ donation and Bill A07954. Share organ donation information on social media. And if you're a student, I want you on our team — consider joining YCOD. Young people aren't apolitical — they're agents of change. Be one.