Mega Doctor News
Making all the difference for individuals who have life-threatening conditions that impair the function of vital organs, organ transplantation is considered one of the great advances in modern medicine.
There are currently more than 103,000 men, women and children on the organ transplant waiting list, per the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), with another name added to the register every eight minutes.
Through organ, eye and tissue donation, one donor can save up to eight lives and enhance 75 more, per the Health Resources and Services Administration, making organ donation a life-giving gift.
In 2023, more than 46,000 organ transplants were performed, per the Organ Procurement & Transplantation Network, a more than 8% increase from the year prior. Despite that increase, the demand for organ donation still far exceeds the available supply, leading to about 16 eligible patients dying each day.
This National Donate Life Month, South Texas Health System is continuing its efforts to raise awareness about the significance of organ donation and celebrate the gift of life provided by donors by hosting a special flag-raising ceremony in the main parking lot of STHS Heart.
Taking place Wednesday, April 30, at 10:00 a.m., the ceremony will be held in conjunction with the Texas Organ Sharing Alliance (TOSA), the Texas Donor Network and the San Antonio Eye Bank. During the event, attendees will also have the chance to hear from recipients and families whose lives have been transformed thanks to donors.
“Organ, eye and tissue donation isn’t only lifesaving, it’s a life-changing gift,” says Brenda Ivory, Chief Executive Officer, STHS Heart. “There’s so much power in becoming a donor. It entails making a difference not just for an individual but for entire families and communities. That’s what Donate Life Month is about… coming together to raise awareness about this noble cause and encourage our community members to become donors and help patients in need.”
In addition to the flag-raising ceremony, McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos will be on hand to read a special proclamation designating April as Donate Life Month in the City of McAllen to encourage more individuals to consider registering as donors.
Beyond raising awareness for organ donation, the flag-raising ceremony and proclamation event will offer an opportunity for the community to show its gratitude to those who have chosen to become donors and changed thelives of others.
Attendees are encouraged to wear blue and green to help spread the Donate Life message and promote the importance of registering as an eye, organ and tissue donor.
To learn more about becoming an organ donor or to register, visit donatelifetexas.org.
For more information, you can contact the STHS Marketing Department at 956-388-2020 or via email at STHSMarketing@uhsinc.com.
| Who: | South Texas Health System Heart |
| What: | National Donate Life Month Flag-Raising Ceremony & Proclamation Reading |
| When: | Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. |
| Where: | Main Parking LotSouth Texas Health System Heart1900 S. D St. McAllen, TX 78503 |
