National Organ Donor Day, celebrated each year on February 14, highlights the crucial need for organ, eye, and tissue donations across the United States. This day, which coincides with Valentine’s Day, reminds us of a special kind of love – the life-giving gift of donation. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and observed since 1998, it serves as a call to action for everyone to learn about organ donation and the enormous impact it can have on saving lives.
Why National Organ Donor Day Matters
Every year, thousands of individuals find themselves waiting for the chance to receive an organ that can extend or enhance their lives. Sadly, many don’t get the opportunity in time. National Organ Donor Day shines a spotlight on this issue, aiming to educate and inspire people to register as organ donors. The day also honors past donors whose generosity transformed or saved the lives of others, emphasizing the lasting impact of each donation.
Organ donation doesn’t only include the major organs like hearts, kidneys, and livers; it also involves tissues and corneas, which improve the quality of life for many recipients. The hope is that through increased awareness, more people will choose to register, creating a greater network of potential donors. This decision can offer a second chance at life for individuals facing critical health issues.
When is National Organ Donor Day Celebrated?
This February 14, let National Organ Donor Day serve as a reminder of the life-saving impact of donations and the hope it brings to families waiting for a new beginning. If you’d like to keep National Organ Donor Day marked in your calendar, here are the upcoming dates for the holiday:
| Year | Date and Day |
|---|---|
| 2025 | February 14, Friday |
| 2026 | February 14, Saturday |
| 2027 | February 14, Sunday |
| 2028 | February 14, Monday |
| 2029 | February 14, Wednesday |
| 2030 | February 14, Thursday |
How to Observe National Organ Donor Day
National Organ Donor Day offers several ways to take part, from small acts of awareness to significant, life-changing commitments:
- Register as an Organ Donor: If you haven’t already, registering as a donor is one of the most direct ways to participate. Many states offer registration options through the DMV or health departments, and online registration is also available.
- Learn and Share: Educating yourself and others about the importance of organ donation can have a ripple effect. Share information with friends, family, and colleagues. Social media can also help spread the word.
- Attend a Local Event or Awareness Campaign: Many communities host events on this day to honor donors, provide resources, and inform people about the donation process.
Taking action on National Organ Donor Day helps save lives and supports families waiting for that precious call saying a match has been found.
Before You Go:
We have many more national days lists for you to explore.
- Food-related national days: complete list of national food days, pasta & noodles days, vegan & vegetarian days, mushroom days, ice-cream days, pizza days, coffee days, chocolate days, wine days, alcohol & drinking days.
- Non-food national days: National Days Calendar 2025 (check out the printable calendars in my Etsy shop), National Days for Teachers, and a wide array of special lists such as cat days, dog days, animal days, cleaning & organizing days, book days, music days, family & relationships days, national days for women, stationery days and even Harry Potter days.
- Country-specific national days: Australian national days, more coming soon.
