29. september
Latvijas Pasts Issues Stamp Promoting Life-Saving Awareness
The decision to become an organ donor is a personal choice that offers others the hope of a new beginning, which is why the philatelic items carry a reminder: organ donation saves lives. The nominal value of the stamp is 2.54 euros. It has been issued in 10,000 copies and is valid for postage of items weighing up to 20 grams within the European Economic Area, while the envelope is limited to 500 copies.
“It is essential for everyone to leave something lasting behind, and becoming an organ donor offers the chance to give the most miraculous and precious gift of all — the gift of life. There are many ways to talk about important societal issues, encouraging decisions and actions that focus less on personal gain and more on the benefit to fellow human beings. Philately is our way of highlighting what matters most — life, choice and humanity. This stamp is not just a designer’s work — it is a message that inspires action,”said Andris Puriņš, a member of the board of Latvijas Pasts.
The first-day cancellation of the stamp will take place on October 2 at the atrium of Stradiņš Hospital’s new building (Entrance A1), 13 Pilsoņu Street, Riga, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The presentation of the new philatelic issues, open to the public and attended by representatives of Latvijas Pasts, Stradiņš Hospital, the Latvian Digital Health Centre and the artist, is scheduled for 11:00 AM.
In Latvia, organ transplants are carried out by the expert team at Stradiņš Hospital, saving lives each year and significantly improving the quality of life for patients with severe illnesses. In 2024, 66 transplant operations were performed at the hospital, and 42 have already been completed so far this year. Meanwhile, 44 people are waiting for a kidney transplant, six patients — for a heart transplant, eight — for a cornea transplant, and another eight — for a liver transplant.
Organ transplantation is the only way to save a life when other treatments are no longer effective, and each of us can be both a giver of life and someone who may one day rely on this gift as the only chance to survive.
Board member of Stradiņš Hospital Dr. Dace Žentiņa emphasises that
“this stamp, carrying the message to society ‘Organ donation saves lives,’ is like a small, ordinary sign of great significance, reminding us of our capacity to help one another. It speaks in simple, universally understandable language about life that continues thanks to human courage, compassion and empathy.”
The head of the National Transplant Coordination Centre, Egija Lapiņa, adds that
“this stamp conveys a special message to our people — that each person’s choice can become a bridge between life and death. Even though this is a small-format artwork, we see it as a heartfelt and powerful message to society: we are not alone, and our support can give someone the chance to continue living.”
The choice to donate your tissues and organs after death — helping to save lives and improve the quality of life for others — can be made at https://www.eveseliba.gov.lv/. Additional information is available on the Stradiņš Hospital website www.stradini.lv, while details about the legal regulation of organ donation can be found in the Law On the Protection of the Body of a Deceased Person and the Use of Human Tissues and Organs in Medicine.
Philatelic products issued by Latvijas Pasts are highly appreciated among customers, collectors and experts alike. International philatelic associations evaluate stamps issued by Latvijas Pasts against strict standards, considering them on par with those from the major countries. These stamps are regularly included in global philatelic catalogues and collections of renowned philatelists.
Latvijas Pasts Issues Stamp Promoting Life-Saving Awareness
