BEDFORD — As thousands of local couples prepare for Valentine’s Day dinners, health officials are asking southern Indiana residents to consider a different kind of “heart conversation.” February 14, 2026, marks the 28th anniversary of National Donor Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the lifesaving impact of organ, eye, tissue, blood, and marrow donation.
Established in 1998, National Donor Day serves as a reminder that the greatest gift one can give isn’t found in a jewelry box, but in the decision to become a donor.
The timing of National Donor Day is no coincidence. Organ procurement organizations across Indiana are using the romantic holiday to encourage families to discuss their wishes. Currently, more than 100,000 Americans are on the national transplant waiting list.
The statistics for 2026 highlight a critical “gap” in the system:
- The Need: Every eight minutes, another person is added to the waiting list.
- The Impact: A single organ donor can save up to eight lives, while a tissue donor can heal more than 75 people.
- The Reality: On average, 17 people die every day waiting for a transplant that doesn’t come in time.
While organ donation often takes the spotlight, officials are also stressing the urgent need for blood and platelet donations. Recent winter storms across southern Indiana have impacted local blood drives, making February 14 an ideal time for residents to visit a donation center.
Valentine’s Day is about the heart, and nothing is more heart-centered than giving blood or joining the marrow registry. It takes less than an hour to donate blood, but that one unit can save three lives.
This year’s observance comes as the national OPTN Expeditious Task Force works toward a bold goal of achieving 60,000 successful deceased donor transplants annually by the end of 2026. This initiative focuses on reducing the “non-use” of available organs and streamlining the matching process to ensure every donated gift reaches a patient in need.
Registering as a donor in Indiana is a simple process that can be done in under two minutes:
- Online: Visit DonateLifeIndiana.org or RegisterMe.org.
- At the BMV: You can say “yes” to donation when renewing your driver’s license at any local branch, including the Bedford or Bloomington locations.
- The Health App: iPhone users can register directly through the “Health” app on their phones.
Emergency officials and health advocates remind the public that even if you are registered, the most important step is to tell your family. Knowing your decision in advance provides immense comfort to loved ones during difficult times.
