Myth Vs. Reality: Organ Donation In the United States

MYTH VS. REALITY: ORGAN DONATION IN THE UNITED STATES Although 98% of United States adults have heard of organ donation and 90% say they support it, only about 45% are registered as organ donors. With an average of 21 people dying each day because they can't get the organs they need, why don't more people do their part and register as an organ donor? There is a widening gap between waitlisted patients and registered organ donors. While the number of people on national waiting lists steadily grows, the rates of donation and transplant remain relatively unchanged. THE NEED FOR ORGAN DONORS IN THE U.S. 140,000 112,000 84,000 56,000 28,000 1988 1991 1994 1997 2000 2003 2006 2009 2012 2015 Donors Transplants Waiting List ORGAN DONATION MYTHS & REALITIES GE If I register as an organ donor, the hospital staff won't work as hard to save my life." MYTH vs. The hospital staff's number one priority is to save your life. Organ donation can only be considered after you REALITY are deceased. 1 But what if they declare l'm dead before I really am?" MYTH Vs. People who have agreed to donate their organs are REALITY actually given more tests (at no extra charge to their families) to determine that they are truly deceased than those who are not registered as donors. GE Nobody would want my organs or tissues because l'm too young/old/sick." MYTH vs. Anyone can be a potential donor regardless of age, race, or medical condition. With their parents' consent, REALITY even people too young to drive can register. Children need organ transplants too. GG My family will have to pay extra if I choose to donate MYTH my organs." vs. There is no cost to the donor or their family for REALITY organ or tissue donation. MYTH GG My religion doesn't allow me to donate my organs." vs. All major religions in the United States support organ, eye and tissue donation and see it as a final act of love and REALITY generosity toward others. This includes Roman Catholicism, Islam, and most Judaism and Protestant faiths. You can always clarify with a member of your clergy. GE I heard that rich and famous people get top priority when they need an organ transplant." MYTH vs. When you are on the waiting list for an organ, what really counts is the severity of your illness, time spent waiting, blood type, and other important medical information, REALITY not your financial status or celebrity status. G Being an organ donor would mean I can't have an open MYTH casket funeral." vs. An open casket funeral is possible for organ, eye and tissue donors. Through the entire donation process the REALITY body is treated with care, respect and dignity. DO YOUR PART TO HELP THOSE IN NEED EVERY 10 MINS 10 MINS a patient is added to the national transplant waiting list ON AVERAGE 21 PEOPLE DIE every day while waiting for an organ transplant WHICH RESULTS IN 1 DEATH 1.5 EVERY HOUR & A HALF HOURS A SINGLE ORGAN DONOR CAN SAVE UP TO 8 LIVES HOW DO YOU BECOME AN ORGAN DONOR? Register online with your state: http://bit.ly/ StateRegistries Register as an Don't keep your decision a organ donor at the DMV when you get or renew secret; share your stance on organ donation & encourage others to register, too. your driver's license. REGISTER AS AN ORGAN DONOR TODAY TO SAVE LIVES! TM SOURCES: CPony Parts U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Donate Life America | The Atlantic | Mayo Clinic