April – National Donate Life Month

110,488.

This staggering number represents thousands of individual Americans who wait patiently for organ donations to save their lives. According to information supplied by the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network, as of March 20, 2011, the highest donation needs were:

Kidney:  87,981
Liver:  16,130
Heart:  3,180

Because April is National Donate Life Month, there is no better time to learn more about the gift of organ donation.

Instituted in 2003 by Donate Life America (DLA), National Donate Life Month raises awareness concerning organ donation and encourages Americans to become donors. DLA explains the need for continued education, because although “transplantation is one of the most remarkable success stories in the history of medicine… the need for organs and tissue is vastly greater than the number available for transplantation.”

The United Network of Organ Sharing explains that donations may be limited due to myths about the process. Some of the most common myths include:

Myth: Having “organ donor” on your driver’s license or carrying a donor card is all you have to do to become a donor.
Fact: In most states, hospitals can legally proceed with donations, without consent from next of kin, if you have a driver’s license with an “organ donor” designation or you have signed an organ donation registry; however, it’s important to talk to your family about your decision to donate so they are aware of your wishes.

Myth: Only hearts, livers, and kidneys can be transplanted.
Fact: Needed organs include the heart, kidneys, pancreas, lungs, liver and intestines. Tissues that can be donated include the eyes, skin, bone, heart valves and tendons.

Myth: Your history of medical illness means your organs or tissues are unfit for donation.
Fact: At the time of death, the appropriate medical professionals will review your medical and social histories to determine whether or not you can be a donor. With recent advances in transplantation, many more people than ever before can be donors.

Myth: If you agree to donate your organs, your family will be charged for the costs.
Fact: There is no cost to the donor’s family or estate for organ and tissue donation. Funeral costs remain the responsibility of the family.

Myth: Your religion prohibits organ donation.
Fact: All major organized religions approve of organ and tissue donation and consider it an act of charity.

If these and other myths are dispelled, more Americans may choose to donate life. As shown in their third annual National Donor Designation Report Card, DLA reports that 86.3 million people were enrolled in state donor registries at the end of 2009. This represented an increase of 24.4 percent since 2007 and brings the organization a step closer to their goal of 100 million designated donors.

Becoming a donor is easier than most people think. But each state does have its own laws and regulations regarding the process. For assistance with understanding laws, DLA provides state specific information on their website.

During April, Donate Life America and its partners will be stressing the fact that anyone can be a potential donor regardless of age, race, or medical history.

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