Did you know that February 14 is more than Valentine’s Day in America? It’s also National Donor Day and an excellent time to update your medical ID to engrave “organ donor” on it. Your ultimate sacrifice at the end of your life can help save another person.

What is National Donor Day?

National Donor Day is an annual event to boost awareness of organ donors. The event began in 1998 by the Saturn Corporation and received support from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. But the history goes back much further.

The first organ transplant was skin and occurred in 1869. More than 30 years later, doctors performed the first transplant of a cornea. In 1963, organ recovery from a brain dead donor was achieved.

So how did we get to where we are today? A few years after the first organ recovery, in 1968, the Uniform Anatomical Gift Act established the Uniform Donor Card that was valid in all 50 states. Anyone 18 and older could identify the organs they wanted to donate legally after their death.

From 1869 to 2001, organ donation grew to a valuable life-saving tool. In 2001, the number of living donors exceeded the number of deceased donors in the U.S. To celebrate, the U.S. designated April as National Donate Life Month.

How Do I Participate?

Congratulations! Your decision to be an organ donor may save one or many lives one day. Although no one likes to think about death, it’s a reality we all face at some point. No one lives forever. An organ donor gives the ultimate gift of life to a stranger.

You can go to the National Organ Donor Registry and sign up online here. Another option is to fill out the information on the back of your driver’s license.

After completing the process, embrace your decision. Your choice can change the future for another family and give them longer with their loved ones.

Next, Add “Organ Donor” to Your Medical ID

Although the information is in a national database and on your license, it might take too long to get the information to medical professionals if you’re no longer driving. A medical ID bracelet and keychain is an excellent way to get the data to emergency responders quickly. Universal Medical Data LLC can engrave the organ donor alert directly onto your ID.

A Responder Personal Health Record or PHR with a medical alert bracelet can do more than let EMTs and other professionals know your post-life wishes. It can also help them save your life with fast access to vital health records. People of all ages have severe medical conditions that require special treatment. Choose PHR to have everything available for practitioners to make the best decisions about your care.

As an organ donor, you can give the greatest gift of all to a stranger—life. Remember this Valentine’s Day is also National Donor’s Day, and update your Universal Medical Data and medical ID with this vital, life-saving data. For more information about how to get a new, engraved Medical ID bracelet, visit our website or call 1-800-319-0199.