Van Diest Medical Center is joining with Iowa Donor Network to Inspire Iowa to Donate Life during National Donate Life Month this April.

VDMC officials said that throughout Donate Life Month, they will celebrate transplant recipients who have been given a new life, they will shine light on the many more who are still waiting, and will honor donors and their families. Every year since 2002, April has been filled with stories to spread the lifesaving message of donation in order to inspire people to register as organ, eye and tissue donors. To become a donor, register at www.iowadonornetwork.org.

In honor of Donate Life Month, Van Diest Medical Center will host a flag-raising ceremony on Thursday, April 1, 2021 at 11 a.m. outside the west entrance to the hospital. This ceremony is in celebration of organ, eye and tissue donation and in recognition of the many people who have chosen to share the gift of life. The public is invited to attend.

In addition to the ceremony, caregivers at Van Diest Medical Center have the opportunity to wear National Donate Life Month apparel throughout the month of April to help raise awareness of the importance of organ, eye and tissue donation.

Over 1.5 million Iowans are registered donors in Iowa. Still, the number of people in need of transplants continues to outpace the number of donor organs. Almost 114,000 Americans are currently waiting for a life-saving organ transplant, 600 of those living right here in Iowa. Unfortunately, not all those waiting will receive an organ in time. On average, 20 people die each day in the United States while waiting for a transplant. It’s our vision that all Iowans are inspired to donate life. Registering your decision to become a donor is the most effective way to ensure you can save lives through donation and serves as a sign of hope for those who continue to wait.

Based in North Liberty, Iowa Donor Network is the fully accredited and federally designated organ procurement organization serving Iowa. Certified by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, IDN coordinates with health care professionals, funeral directors and others involved in the donation process. IDN also works with donor families before, during and after donation, to educate, support, and help families work through their grief. For more information, log on to www.IowaDonorNetwork.org, or call (800) 831-4131.