As Valentine’s Day approaches, another significant event takes center stage—National Organ Donor Day, observed annually on February 14th. The day raises awareness about organ donation and honors those who have given the life-saving gift of organ, eye, and tissue donation.
Across the United States, thousands of patients remain on transplant waiting lists, hoping for a second chance at life. A single donor can save up to eight lives and enhance many others through tissue donation. Despite this, the demand for organs continues to outpace the supply, making donor registration a critical issue.
In South Dakota, LifeSource and Dakota Lions Sight & Health are key organizations facilitating organ, eye, and tissue donations. LifeSource serves as the federally designated organ procurement organization for the region, ensuring timely donor-recipient matches. Dakota Lions Sight & Health, based in Sioux Falls, specializes in cornea and tissue donations, restoring sight and improving lives across the Midwest.
Locally, Monument Health in Rapid City advocates for organ donation, working alongside transplant networks to support donors and their families. Healthcare providers and community groups in the Black Hills continue to promote donor registration efforts.
Becoming an organ donor is simple and can be done in multiple ways. Residents can register online at www.RegisterMe.org or www.DonateLifeSD.org. Another option is saying “yes” to organ donation when renewing a driver’s license or ID card. The South Dakota Department of Public Safety allows residents to indicate their donor status in this way. Additionally, discussing the decision with family members ensures that wishes are honored in the event of an emergency.
For those seeking more details about organ donation in South Dakota, the following resources are available:
- LifeSource (Organ Procurement Organization) – Phone: 1-888-5-DONATE, Website: www.life-source.org
- Dakota Lions Sight & Health (Eye and Tissue Donation) – Phone: 1-800-245-7846, Website: www.dakotasight.org
- Monument Health (Local Healthcare Provider) – Phone: (605) 755-1000, Website: www.monument.health
On Organ Donor Day, South Dakota residents are encouraged to consider the impact of organ donation. By registering as a donor and discussing the decision with family members, individuals can help save lives and provide hope to countless patients.
