Focus on Safety:
Myths & Misconceptions About Organ Donation
I'm sure there are plenty of organ donors already. What difference could one more person really make?
You'd be surprised. Organ and tissue donation from a single donor can help improve or save the lives of more than 100
people. There are currently more than 110,000 people in the U.S. waiting for organ transplants. Each year, approximately
6,000 will die waiting for a transplant that might have given them a second chance at life or health.
I'm too old to be an organ donor.
There is no age limit on organ donation. The viability of an organ or tissue is evaluated by appropriate medical
professionals at the time of death and is based on strict medical criteria. Don't let your age or even your medical
history keep you from giving the gift of life.
I've included my wish to be an organ and tissue donor in my will. Isn't that enough?
It can take days or even weeks before a will is read—way too late for organ and tissue recovery. The best way to
make sure your wishes are carried out is to join your state's donor registry and let your family know about it.
http://www.donatelifeamerica.org
I've heard that transplant candidates who are wealthy or famous automatically move to the head of the list when organs become available.
Not a chance. Donated organs are matched by blood and tissue typing, organ size, medical urgency, waiting time and
geographic location. No one has an advantage based on income, celebrity or influence.
I'm afraid that emergency room doctors won't work as hard to save my life if they know I'm an organ donor.
Nothing could be further from the truth. Doctors, nurses and medical care professionals consider preserving your health and life their number one
goal. The medical team involved in a patient's care plays no role in organ or tissue recovery. A completely separate team of recovery professionals
will be called in and only after death has been declared.
Donating organs has to cost money. I don't want to put a financial burden on my family after I'm gone.
Organ and tissue donation is considered a generous gift, freely given. No cost associated with recovery or processing is ever passed on
to a donor's family or estate.
My religion may not approve of organ and tissue donation.
Most mainstream religions view organ and tissue donation as an act of charity and goodwill. LifeNet Health encourages you to talk
with a trusted advisor within your own faith community if you have any questions or concerns.
A record 94.7 million people were enrolled in state donor registries at the end of 2010 — a 36.5% increase
since 2007. Still, with more than 110,000 men, women and children on the national patient waiting list for
organ transplants, the need for registered donors remains great.
Source: Donate Life America 2011 Annual Update
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