In December, Powell resident Don Hansen will celebrate five years since his life was saved by a rare double lung transplant. 

Just last week, he was on hand in Cheyenne as Gov. Mark Gordon signed a proclamation to make Wyoming the second state to become a Donate Life Community, a program that creates a positive culture around organ, eye, and tissue donation in communities, so it’s embraced as a fundamental human responsibility.

“It was a nice ceremony,” Hansen said. “We’re hoping it will make people more aware around the state.”

With the proclamation, Wyoming will now promote the effort alongside Donor Alliance, the nonprofit organization that saves and heals lives through organ and tissue donation for transplantation in Colorado and most of Wyoming. Currently, nearly 150 Wyomingites are waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant. 

“Wyoming is one of the most generous states when it comes to donation. We are consistently in the top five in the nation with more than 56% of Wyomingites signing up to become potential donors,” said Gordon. “Today we are recommitting to this mission by spreading greater awareness about the importance of donation and making it a statewide priority for years to come.” 

As part of its commitment to being a Donate Life Community, businesses, governments, and individuals throughout Wyoming will recognize National Donate Life Month during the month of April to show support for organ, eye, and tissue donation. Activities will include light displays illuminated in blue and green throughout the month, proclamations, and flag raising ceremonies to honor, celebrate and recognize. 

For Hansen, it’s another step on his journey to become more involved in the organization. He already attends University of Wyoming football games — he was at the homecoming game — to promote the organization and the importance of organ donation. When he retires in January he plans to get even more involved. 

“This is how I continue saying thanks is raising awareness of the donor alliance,” he said.