The Basics of Organ Donation

According to OrganDonor.gov, there are currently over 101,000 people waiting for an organ transplant, and the number keeps growing. Statistics from the American Heart Institute show a new name is added to the national transplant list every 16 minutes. It is unfortunate that there is a lack of available donors. Last year only 29,000 transplants were performed. A single organ donor can provide medical help to as many as 50 patients. Organ donation is an easy thing anyone can do to make a difference.

Organ donation isn't simply donation of organs. It encompasses organs, tissue, stem cells and blood products. Organs that are currently able to be transplanted include: heart, lungs kidneys, intestines, pancreas and liver. Tissues, such as corneas, heart valves, veins, the middle ear, cartilage, ligaments, tendons and bones are harvested and can be stored for later use to repair hearts, mend damaged tissue, cover burns and replace veins.

Donated stem cells and blood products are used for a variety of medical procedures.

Almost every is eligible to be a donor. Advance age and medical condition will not necessarily rule you out. Check with your state donor registry for limitations. Donations can be made by the living (for example kidney and liver donations) or after brain or cardiac death. Most religions, with very few exceptions, encourage organ donation as a sign of charity towards neighbors.

If you decide to become an organ donor, you must register your intent with your state. Almost all states have donor registries and use the driver's license registration process for donor registration as well. This means you declare your desire to be donor when you apply for or renew you license. Your intent will be designated on your driver's license. As an additional way to insure your intent to donate clear, consider signing a donor card and carrying it with you. Make sure to discuss your intentions with your family. In the event of your death, your family members can be invaluable in communicating your wishes to your doctors. If you decide to become an organ donor, make sure your wishes are carried out by registering with your state organ register, signing and carrying an organ donation card and discussing your wishes with your family member.

Organ donation of any kind can change a person's life. By deciding to become an organ donor, and taking the steps to make your wishes known, you can make a huge difference.

http://organdonor.gov/