Statistics show that 90 percent of Americans support organ, eye and/or tissue donation, but only about half of that amount have actually taken the steps to register as a donor. With the number of people in need of a life-saving organ or tissue transplant constantly on the rise, it’s not a good scenario at all for the number of registered donors to be stagnant. One of the best ways to close this gap is to raise awareness about the vital issue of organ and tissue donation.
That’s what National Donate Life Month is all about. First instituted in 2003 by Donate Life America (a nonprofit alliance aimed at raising awareness about organ donation), National Donate Life Month promotes a variety of local, regional and national events and activities to help encourage new organ donor registrations.
One of their flagship annual events is National Blue and Green Day, which will be held this year on Friday, April 21st. During this special day, people are encouraged to wear blue and green (the official Donate Life colors), and to partner with local businesses and community organizations to increase awareness regarding the need for organ, eye and tissue donation.
One of the best ways to boost awareness about the urgent need for more donor registration is through leveraging the power of social media. Donate Life America and LifeCenter are doing just that by promoting a Photo Contest in which entrants are encouraged to send in their best Blue and Green look to the Donate Life America Facebook page. Users can submit photos in one of six categories:
* Outfitted for Life (Sport your favorite blue and green outfit)
* Colorful Kids (Deck your kids out in a blue and green ensemble)
* Pets for Donation (A blue and green sweater will look great on Fido)
* Get Together for Blue & Green (Take a group photo!)
* Blue, Green & Delicious (This is the culinary category – foodies unite!)
* Donate Life Decor (If you’re handy with decorating spaces, this is your category)
Entries will be received between Friday, April 21st and Tuesday, April 25th. The photo with the most votes will be the Community Choice Award winner, with a $100 Amazon Gift Card at stake! In addition, a panel of Donate Life America judges will select a winner from each of the six categories listed above, with all winners being announced on Tuesday, May 2nd. Each category winner will receive a $100 Amazon gift card as well.
When posting your photos on Facebook – or any other social media channel for that matter – be sure to use the hashtags #DonateLife and #BlueGreenDay so that your posts can be grouped with those of other users on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.
National Blue and Green Day is a simple yet powerful way to encourage donor registration, with everyone from community residents and hospital employees to legislators and celebrities getting involved to show their support for organ donation. With a little effort, promotional events can be held at all kinds of locales including local businesses, municipalities, motor vehicle agencies, local restaurants, community organizations, public meeting spaces, etc.
Although the promotional methods and efforts surrounding National Blue and Green Day can be remarkably diverse and inventive, the core message is the same: To help light a fire in people’s hearts for organ, eye and tissue donation, and to draw much-needed attention to this all-important issue. So be sure to wear your blue and green on Friday, April 21st, and show the world how you celebrate the life-giving gift of organ donation!
