About Us
Mission
To save lives and improve health through the promotion of organ, eye, and tissue donation.
Vision
A world where no one waits for an organ, eye, or tissue transplant.
Organizational Values
Community
As the face of the transplant and donation community, DLNW strives to foster unity, connection, and support through programs and education that inspire organ, eye, and tissue donation.
Equity and Inclusion
We seek to eliminate existing health and education inequities so that all people will have the choice to give and the opportunity to receive. We strive to include diverse voices and experiences to inform this work.
Generosity and Gratitude
We celebrate the generosity and gratitude of our community and empower them to share and inspire others.
Integrity
In order to be the best stewards of the gifts of organ, eye, and tissue donation, we believe in operating with integrity, trust, honesty, and transparency.
Leadership
We work to inform, inspire, and empower through innovative, effective, and timely programs.
History
In 1975, responding to medical advances in transplantation, local healthcare professionals formed Oregon Donor Program by bringing together organ, eye, and tissue procurement agencies to collaboratively increase the local donor pool. Oregon Donor Program successfully advocated for improved donation laws, developed educational programs, and conducted awareness campaigns to enlist the help of organizations, clubs, faith groups, and businesses.
In 2007, Oregon Donor Program changed its name to Donate Life Northwest, reflecting the organization’s commitment to educate people in Oregon and SW Washington about the importance and impact of organ, eye, and tissue donation and to increase the number of people signed up on the Oregon and Washington donor registries.
Donate Life Northwest, currently housed in OHSU space, is incorporated as a private nonprofit organization with 501(c)(3) tax status. Funding sources include grants, corporate sponsorships and contributions, individual gifts, and member agency support.
Donate Life Northwest is governed by a Board of Directors . The Board of Directors is comprised of health care professionals and community leaders committed to the goals of Donate Life Northwest.
Donate Life Northwest is a member of Donate Life America, a national coalition founded in 1992.
Organizational Milestones
- First state to adopt Routine Inquiry (1985)
- Established a toll free telephone number for all organ, eye, and tissue donation referrals
- Established Oregon’s statewide Donor Registry in 2007
- Oregon State legislature adopted the Revised Uniform Anatomical Gift Act in 2007
- Recognized by Donate Life America for Effective Registry Practices in 2012
- Developed and distributed a comprehensive educational curriculum on organ, eye, and tissue donation via the Go Recycle Yourself campaign in 2014
- Won Donate Life America Pinnacle Award for Go Recycle Yourself high school program and curriculum in 2015
- Won Donate Life America Pinnacle Award for our Erase the Wait Mentorship program in 2020
Member Programs & Partner Agencies
Presenting a Unified Message
Donate Life Northwest speaks on behalf of its member programs to educate the general public about organ, eye, and tissue donation and motivate individuals to join the donor registry. Membership in the national coalition, Donate Life America, provides access to national program collateral and evaluation tools, best practices, and branded promotional materials.
Member Programs
Donate Life Northwest has three member programs: Cascade Life Alliance, Solvita, and VisionGift.
The Board of Directors is comprised of Donate Life Northwest member program representatives responsible for providing technical support and current, factual information from their respective fields. Member programs help fund Donate Life Northwest programs and are represented on the Donate Life Northwest board of directors.
Dynamic Partnerships
To optimize resources and further the mission of increasing organ, eye, and tissue donation, Donate Life Northwest is committed to building partnerships. Partners include Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and local transplant centers: