April is Donate Life Month. During this time, we honor those who have given life through organ, eye, tissue, and blood donation and celebrate those who have received those gifts of life. And with that, we aim to encourage awareness of the need for donors, highlight the life-saving power of organ, eye, tissue, and blood donation, and inspire people to make informed decisions about donation.
This year, the Donate Life Month theme brings attention to the lush, interconnected legacy of donation through the imagery of trees and forests. It is a metaphor familiar to Central Texans.
Central Texans’ Caring Roots Run Deep
The Treaty Oak has been a symbol of Central Texas for generations. At one time, the 500-year-old live oak tree’s branches spread roughly 127 feet. But following a 1989 act of vandalism, arborists projected the oak would be lost. Showing incredible grit and dedication, the community pulled together through various efforts, and the tree survived, though greatly reduced in size. In 1997, the Treaty Oak produced acorns again, which were gathered, germinated, and planted across Texas. It is a gift of enduring legacy that spreads beyond the community, establishing new roots, and continuing to grow.
We Are Blood x United Tissue Resources celebrate 75 years.
Originally founded as the Blood & Tissue Center of Central Texas in 1951, We Are Blood and United Tissue Resources eventually branched out as separate entities, further spreading our canopy of care. As we celebrate 75 years of service, we’re excited to honor all our donors and celebrate all the lives changed through the gift of life.
How Participate in Donate Life Month:
- Learn more by visiting United Tissue Resources and Donate Life.
- Show your support by wearing green and blue on Friday, April 10!
- Register and plan for organ donation
- Talk to your loved ones about your wishes.
- Volunteer or spread the word.
- Make a habit of donating life by donating blood at one of our four local donor centers or mobile drives.
To learn about the vital role blood donors play in saving lives, visit America’s Blood Centers site for more information.