CHEYENNE, Wyo. — Wyomingites are saying “yes” to becoming a Donate Life Community, a program that creates a positive culture around organ, eye and tissue donation in communities.
Gov. Mark Gordon signed a proclamation today declaring that the state will promote donation efforts alongside Donor Alliance, a nonprofit organization that saves and heals lives through organ and tissue donation for transplantation in Colorado and most of Wyoming. Currently, nearly 150 Wyomingites are waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant, according to a press release.
“Wyoming is one of the most generous states when it comes to donation. We are consistently in the top five in the nation with more than 56% of Wyomingites signing up to become potential donors,” Gordon said. “Today we are recommitting to this mission by spreading greater awareness about the importance of donation and making it a statewide priority for years to come.”
The national nonprofit organization Donate Life America created the Donate Life Community program to not only save lives, but to also utilize grassroots efforts in communities to raise awareness about the impacts of organ, eye and tissue donation, the release states. The community program will aim to educate Wyomingites before they’re asked to register to be a donor at the DMV or through the online donor registry, Donate Life Wyoming. Several cities across the country are already participating in this effort, including Colorado.
“We are overwhelmed with gratitude and excitement that Governor Gordon and the Wyoming State Government have made this landmark commitment to partner with us in support of donation for transplantation in Wyoming,” said Jennifer Prinz, president and CEO of Donor Alliance. “This effort is in honor and dedication to the Wyoming residents who await a lifesaving transplant right now, Wyomingites who have generously given the gift of life after death, and the residents who have received a second chance at life and health after receiving a transplant.”
One person can save up to eight lives through organ donation and save and heal up to 75 more through tissue donation. Anne Bina of Mills was in kidney failure and on the waitlist for 14 months until she got the call that there was a match for a kidney, from a 16-year-old who passed away in a car crash. His family made the heroic decision that he should give the gift of life, the release states.
“Words cannot express the gratitude for my second chance at life,” Bina said. “I was able to see my daughters get married and now have two buddies, my grandsons. My husband and I have also been able to travel to Europe, Canada, the Caribbean and visit friends across the U.S. I have a picture of my donor in my living room, reminding me of his incredible gift of life.”
As part of its commitment to being a Donate Life Community, businesses, governments and individuals throughout Wyoming will recognize National Donate Life Month during the month of April to show support for organ, eye and tissue donation. Activities will include light displays illuminated in blue and green throughout the month, proclamations and flag-raising ceremonies to honor, celebrate and recognize the month.
