February 14th is National Organ Donor Day

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WPTA) - February 14th isn’t just Valentine’s Day, it’s National Organ Donor Day.

There’s currently more than 100,000 people in the United States on the transplant waiting list - and more than 1,000 of them are Hoosiers.

According to the health resources and services administration, 17 people die each day waiting for an organ transplant.

Steven Johnson worked in critical care transport as a pilot and paramedic - he’s seen firsthand how organ donation can save lives.

He now works as the chief operating officer at the Indiana Donor Network, which serves as a vital link between donors and patients waiting for lifesaving organ transplants.

“Donation is just one of those things that we get to see, we get to see people’s lives saved. And that’s just incredible we can actually do something and that so many people made that selfless gift to be organ donors.”

Indiana Donor network also works closely with families of donors to support them in their time of need. If you’re looking to become a donor, it’s easy to sign up at the BMV or at donatelifeindiana.org