Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital and Iowa Donor Network Inspire Iowa To Donate Life

Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital is joining the Iowa Donor Network to Inspire Iowa to Donate Life during National Donate Life Month in April. Jennie Edmundson will be flying the Donate Life flag during the month to remind others of the importance of organ donation.

Every April since 2002, individuals and organizations have shared stories throughout the month to spread the lifesaving message of donation in order to inspire people to register as organ, eye and tissue donors.

In 2020, a record number of Iowans transformed lives through organ and tissue donation. Still, the number of people in need of transplants continues to outpace the number of donor organs. There are more than 108,000 Americans currently waiting for lifesaving organ transplants, and nearly 600 of them live in Iowa.

“Organ donation can be a very difficult discussion for us as care providers, but also certainly for families facing that decision,” said Kyle Kreger, unit director of critical care for Jennie Edmundson. “We do know how important and lifesaving it can be for those awaiting organ donation. Statistics show that 77% of Iowans are organ donors, which is wonderful, but we have nearly 600 Iowans on the waiting list. We need both of those numbers to change. That’s why Jennie Edmundson is proud to partner with the Iowa Donor Network on this initiative.”

Throughout Donate Life Month, Jennie Edmundson and the Iowa Donor Network celebrate transplant recipients who have been given new life, honor donors and their families, and shine light on the many more who are still waiting.

Registering to become a donor is the most effective way to ensure that you can save lives through donation and serves as a sign of hope for those who continue waiting. You can register to save lives at IowaDonorNetwork.org.

Donate Life Month celebrations will be held at hospitals, emergency medical services agencies and driver’s license stations across Iowa throughout April. Buildings across the state will also “Light Up For Life” and illuminate their buildings in green through the month. National Blue & Green Day for organ donation awareness is on Friday, April 16. For more information about Iowa Donor Network activities, please visit IowaDonorNetwork.org.