What is Organ Donation?
Organ donation is the process of surgically removing an organ or tissue from the organ donor, and surgically implanting it into the organ recipient. Transplantation is necessary because the recipient’s organ or tissue has failed, or was damaged by disease or injury.The need for organ donors is higher than the organs that are available for donation. Because of this, there are over 120,000 people waiting for an organ donation, with 120 of these people dying every day.
What Organs and Tissues can be Transplanted?
The organs that can be surgically donated and transplanted are:
- Kidney
- Liver
- Pancreas
- Heart
- Lung
- Intestine
- Cornea
- Middle ear
- Skin
- Bone
- Bone marrow
- Heart valves
- Connective tissue
Who can become an Organ Donor?
People of all ages, ethnicity, and gender can become organ donors. When someone dies, if they are a registered organ donor, their organs will be evaluated for donor suitability. They do this by looking at your medical history and age.
How can I become an Organ Donor?
- You can join a donor registry. A registry is a way to legally give consent for the gift of organs, tissue, and eyes. Each time you go to your local Bureau of Motor Vehicles, you will be asked, "do you want to make an anatomical gift?" All you have to do is say "Yes." You can also join the registry at any time by filling out a "Document of Gift" form from the BMV. For more information, go to www.lifebanc.org and click on "donor registry."
- Per-State Donor registry information can be found at: www.donatelife.net.
- Sign and carry an organ donor card. This card can be downloaded at: www.organdonor.gov.
- Let your family members and loved ones know your desire to be a donor. You might also want to tell your family healthcare provider, lawyer, and religious leader that you would like to be a donor, as they might have the required registry resources.
Common Misconceptions about Organ Donation:
- By becoming an organ donor, this means that I wouldn't be eligible to receive the best medical care possible- Your decision to donate does not affect the quality of the medical care you will receive.
- There any costs to the organ donor's family for donation after death- There is no cost to the donor’s family or estate for the donation of organs, tissue, or eyes.
- Organ donation will disfigure the body- After death, if you are suitable for organ donation, the procedure will be done by a trained professional. They are specifically trained to return the body without disfigurement.
Organ Donation is an opportunity to help others. By registering as an organ donor, you can save someone's life. Becoming an organ donor is easy, and has almost no drawback. Anyone is an organ donor, and it can be your chance to help save the lives of the 120,000 people who are awaiting a life-saving organ donation.
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