When organ donors die, it is possible for them to save as many as eight lives if their organs are ready to use. In 2014, more than 28,000 transplants saved patients who needed them; thousands died waiting for transplants that could save them – please consider organ donation!
When it is medically certain a patient is brain dead, the organs are available for donations, and hospital personnel search donation registries for consent. In the absence of donor registration, a patient’s legal representative may authorize consent.
In addition to transplanting the organs of a deceased patient, living patients can also give parts of their pancreas, liver, lung or intestine. In that case, the donor can give permission for the procedure.
Organ Donation – All Ages and Races
People of all ages, races and backgrounds can donate organs. An individual under the age of 18 has to have the permission of a parent or a guardian. That individual can register, but still needs permission. All donors should notify their families of their wishes.
In spite of organ donation being accepted practice, there are some misconceptions about it. For example, systems exist to make certain organs are placed fairly by blood type, size, urgency, and time of waiting. Also, people of all ages and health conditions should think about being donors – and let the doctors decide what to use.
Organ Donation for Research
In addition to donating organs to be used by a person who needs it, they may be donated for research. The organs will be used to study various diseases and conditions such as cancer, heart disease, immune systems, and diabetes to name a few. There are so many people waiting for donations that it hardly seems that the number donating will ever equal the number needed. This chart shows what organs are available: (Tissue donation information also indicated)
No matter your age, make sure your family knows you want to be a donor. Many religions allow organ donation.
Organ Donation – Lots of Misconceptions
Other misconceptions about organ donation just are not true. It is entirely possible to have an open-casket funeral. Also, there is no charge for the procedure, and the agreement remains entirely private.
If you are in need of more information, there are several sites on the internet to read. The Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network hosted by The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services has statistics, information for professionals, education, resources and news. In addition, another site for Womens Health.gov publishes an extensive list of e Publications on organ donation topics.
