Medical advances enable thousands of lives to be saved each year by organ transplantation.
More than 25,000 Americans receive organ transplants that save or improve their lives annually. However, 6,000 die each year waiting to receive a heart, liver, kidney, lung or other organ.
More than 87,000 people are on the national organ transplant waiting list today. Although most Americans indicate they support organ donation, only about one-half of families asked to donate organs of a loved one agree to do so. Either families do not know what their loved ones wanted or potential donors are not identified and their families are never asked.
No one wants to think now about donating a heart or lung. However, families need to discuss this possibility just as advanced directives and wishes for medical should be discussed before the need arises. Some information about organ donation can help these discussions.
Who can become a donor? Anyone can be a donor. Individuals under the age of 18 must have parent or guardian’s consent. Medical conditions may not prohibit organ donation. The suitability for donation will be determined by the transplant team at the time of death.
If I sign a donor card or indicate my preferences on my driver’s license, will my wishes be carried out? It is essential that your family know your wishes. They may be asked to sign a consent form in order for your donation to occur.
What organs may be donated? Organs that may be donated include heart, kidneys, pancreas, lungs, liver and intestines. Tissues that may be used are cornea, skin, bone marrow, heart valves and connective tissue. Bone marrow may be donated at any time a match is found. Some people have donated a kidney to a relative or someone else while they are still living as well.
If I have decided to be an organ donor, will it affect the care I receive at the hospital? No, every effort is made to save your life before donation is considered.
What are the costs to my family for donation? All costs related to donation are paid by the recipient, usually by insurance, Medicare or Medicaid. Donation does not interfere with having a funeral, including open casket services.
How are donated organs distributed? Organs are distributed to patients on the organ waiting list. They are matched on a number of factors such as blood and tissue typing, medical urgency, time on the waiting list and geographical location.
As of April 26, at 4:30 p.m. there were 92,114 people on the waiting list for organ donation. If you would like more information or an organ/tissue donor card, please contact me at
lgarner@wilshirebc.org or (214) 452-3151.
(214) 452-3100