There are more than 119,000 men, women and children waiting for transplants, and each day 22 of them die. That’s, in part, because although 95 percent of Americans support organ donation, only 48 percent actually sign up to become donors.
Many are under the impression that they can’t donate or have inaccurate ideas about how the process works. In commemoration of National Donor Day (Feb. 14) we’d like to share some facts from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services about organ donation:
Myth: I have a medical condition, so I can’t be a donor.
Fact: Anyone, regardless of age or medical history, can sign up to be a donor. The transplant team will determine at an individual’s time of death whether donation is possible. There are very few conditions that would prevent a person from becoming a donor.
Myth: I’m too old to be a donor.
Fact: There’s no age limit to organ donation. What matters is the health and condition of your organs when you die.
Myth: I don’t think my religion supports donation.
Fact: Most major religions in the United States support organ donation as the final act of love and generosity toward others.
Myth: If they see I’m a donor at the hospital, they won’t try to save my life.
Fact: When you are admitted to a hospital, the one and only priority is to save your life. Donation doesn’t become a possibility until all lifesaving methods have failed.
Myth: Rich or famous people on the waiting list get organs faster.
Fact: A national computer system matches donated organs to recipients based on factors such as blood type, time spent waiting, how sick the person is and geographic location. Race, income and celebrity are never considered.
Myth: My family won’t be able to have an open casket funeral if I’m a donor.
Fact: An open casket funeral is usually possible for organ, eye and tissue donors. Through the entire donation process, the body is treated with care, respect and dignity.
Myth: My family will have to pay for the donation.
Fact: There is no cost to donors or their families for organ or tissue donation.
Myth: Somebody could take my organs and sell them.
Fact: Federal law prohibits buying and selling organs in the U.S.
Click here for more information about becoming an organ donor.
