Are you a registered organ donor? April is National Donate Life Month. Take a moment to celebrate those that have saved lives through the gift of donation and to educate yourself about organ donation.
According to the United States Department of Health and Human Services nearly 124,000 men, women and children are awaiting organ transplants in the US. One organ donor can save up to eight lives, however 21 people still die each day waiting for an organ.
Here are a few popular myths and facts about organ donation:
Myth: Age, illness or physical defects can prevent me from becoming a donor.
Fact: A person’s medical condition is evaluated at the time of death to determine what organs and tissues are viable for donation. People living with chronic diseases or those who have a history of cancer or other serious diseases are still encouraged to join the donor registry.
Myth: If doctors know that I am registered to be an organ or tissue donor, they won’t work as hard to save my life.
Fact: The first priority of a medical professional is to save lives. Organ and tissue donation isn’t even considered or discussed until after death is declared.
Myth: My religion doesn’t support organ and tissue donation.
Fact: Most religions support organ and tissue donation. Discuss organ and tissue donation with your spiritual advisor if you have concerns on this issue.
Myth: My family will be charged for donating my organs.
Fact: Costs associated with recovering and processing organs and tissues for transplant are never passed on to the donor family.
To find out how you can register as organ, eye and/or tissue donor in your state, please visit http://organdonor.gov/becomingdonor/stateregistries.html
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.