What do 90 percent of Ohioans support but only 52 percent act upon? Becoming a registered organ and tissue donor. Nearly 100,000 women, children and men in the U.S., including more than 2,600 Ohioans, are waiting for life-saving organ transplants.

            Your help is needed. Each registered organ and tissue donor can potentially save and enhance the lives of more than 50 people. Every four years, all Ohio licensed drivers and state ID holders are asked to become a donor at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). Yet just over half say yes. Would that number be so low if we realized the people needlessly dying are our co-workers, neighbors or, in many cases, relatives?

            Organ and tissue donation saves lives. As one of the leading organ and tissue recovery organizations in the nation, LifeBanc has helped our community for nearly 25 years. Today, we are still recovering organs fpr transplant centers, including three in Northeast Ohio – Cleveland Clinic, Summa Health System Akron City Hospital Transplant Center and University Hospitals Case Medical Center. Recovered tissue is transplanted countless timesin hospitals throughout the region. Annually, our volunteers and staff educate more than 95,000 students, adults and health care professionals in an effort to provide accurate information, engage the public and increase the number of registered organ and tissue donors. LifeBanc’s professional staff provides comfort and care to families touched by donation and transplantation through our bereavement services.

            Yet, it is not enough. Each day nearly 17 people in the U.S. die waiting for the “Gift of Life”. LifeBanc will continue to provide local programs in schools, campuses, hospitals, and workplaces to educate the community and increase the number of organ and tissue donors. However, it is up to you to register.

Do It Now, Ohio. Become a registered organ and tissue donor.

How do I register? Any of the following:

• Say YES when asked to be an organ and tissue donor at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV)
• Register online at www.DonateLifeOhio.org
• Call LifeBanc at 1-888-558-LIFE to receive a registration form
• Include organ and tissue donation in your living will

Corporate Donate Save 8 Campaign

The need for more registered organ and tissue donors is vital. Especially since a single organ donor can save the lives of up to eight peole and enhance 50 or more through tissue and eye donation. Donors literally give the Gift of Life.

            Hundreds of companies across the state are implementing the “Donate. Save 8. Do It Now!” donor registration drive. Your company can participate by going to www.doitnowohio.org. Employees can register as a donor, then contact eight people and encourage them to do the same.

            The service is free and provides a series of templates and tools to promote enthusiasm and participation in the campaign. Also, it can be customized to fit any business needs and can be incorporated into existing wellness programs.

Lifebanc’s Swing for Life Golf Outing
Tuesday, June 24, 2008 at the Oak Tree Country Club.

Sign up in the Blacktie Box Office.