BOISE, Idaho — Yes Idaho, an organ donor registry, is seeking volunteers for upcoming events to raise awareness about the need for organ donors.
On Tuesday, Yes Idaho held a volunteer dinner at the Idaho Lions Eye Bank to provide information to those interested in participating in upcoming events and learning about becoming an organ donor. Officials with the non-profit state that this is to call attention to the need for organ, eye, and tissue donations.
"One organ donor can save up to 9 lives, so it's a great gift to leave behind," said Alex McDonald, the development manager for Envision Sight. "[But] someone who is an organ, eye and tissue can change the lives of around 75 people."
Rick Brittell, an organ donor recipient, told KTVB that he had a heart transplant back in 2015. When asked how he felt about receiving the transplant, he smiled and said, "There are no words for it."
During the event, McDonald showed KTVB a quilt adorned with pictures of those whose organs were donated. He said it is their way of honoring them.
McDonald later said there are no transplant centers in Idaho, so recipients must go to Oregon or Salt Lake City, Utah, for transplants.
Yes Idaho is managed by DonorConnect and six other recovery agencies, according to its social media.
According to a news release by Yes Idaho, there is a scheduled event at 9 a.m. on Wednesday at the steps of Boise City Hall. Mayor McClean will read a proclamation asking the public to speak with their families and register to be donors.
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