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Entry bubble National Donor Day

By: Joanne | February 10, 2009 | Category: Health

organ donor card

February 14 isn’t just Valentine’s Day, it’s also National Donor Day.

The fact is that there are over 100,000 people waiting for donor organs right now, and sadly, about 19 people die each day waiting for transplants that can't take place because there isn’t a donor organ available for them.  Most of us are potential donors – there is no age restriction and very few people are excluded because of pre-existing conditions.

I registered to be an organ donor while renewing my driver’s license years ago. All I had to do was to check a box while I was filling out a form and it was done. I know it’s a hard decision for some people, but for me it was a no-brainer. If I’m not using my organs any more and someone else can use them, then I’m happy to share.

So on the day of love, give the gift of life. What can you do?

| View Comments [7] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: blood   donation   donor   joanne   organ   tissue  

Comments (7):

blue comment bubble Posted by Scott Meis on February 10, 2009 at 11:10 AM EST

Hi Joanne, I'm with a PR firm in Chicago that works with Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network, the local OPO. We also help run the statewide coalition, Donate Life Illinois. Thanks so much for calling attention to this crucial issue. I would also encourage yourself and your readers to check out the site you've linked to or www.ShareYourLife.org to double check on their state requirements for being a donor.

In recent years, many states, including Illinois, have switched from a "consent" registry to a first-person consent registry that no longer requires you to have witnesses or loved ones sign off on you becoming a donor. In other words, it is a legally binding agreement. These new registries are going to help save many more lives each year as it removes the chance of a loved one overturning your decision during a time of grief. It's of course still important to also inform your family of your decision to register.

Thanks again, help save lives and be a donor!

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blue comment bubble Posted by Becky on February 10, 2009 at 01:02 PM EST

I can't donate blood because I was born and lived overseas during a time when I might've contracted mad cow disease, so I'm ineligible to donate to the Red Cross. Do the same restrictions apply to organ donation?

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blue comment bubble Posted by Joanne on February 10, 2009 at 01:22 PM EST

Becky,
According to organdonor.gov, there are few absolute exclusions (HIV positive, active cancer, systemic infection) and no strict upper or lower age limits. Potential donors will be evaluated for suitability when the occasion arises. (http://organdonor.gov/donation/who_donate.htm)

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blue comment bubble Posted by man in china on February 11, 2009 at 04:33 AM EST

i am a college student in china.Just before the chinese lunar new year, two of my roomates and me wanted to make the year different.So we thought of giving blood.it was my first time.so exciting and so meaningful for me. I ought to do more to help others if given the chances

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blue comment bubble Posted by I am. Are you? on February 11, 2009 at 09:13 AM EST

[Trackback] Valentine’s Day?? Sure, sure. But Feb. 14 also happens to be National Donor Day!
Whether you’re an organ/tissue donor, blood donor or marrow donor, this is your day!
Recognized by the U.S. Government’s blog, here’s some backgrou...

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blue comment bubble Posted by Joanne on February 11, 2009 at 09:52 AM EST

Donating blood is a great (and pretty easy) thing to do. I've donated blood many times. Blood donations (not mine) saved my father's life and I was able to help my uncle with leukemia when I donated plasma for him. Just a half hour to an hour of your time really can save a life. Since I've seen how the blood donations of strangers made a difference to people I love, I like to give back and help others too. It's a random act of kindness : )

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blue comment bubble Posted by Dave Undis on February 11, 2009 at 03:57 PM EST

Over half of the 100,000 Americans on the national transplant waiting list will die before they get a transplant. Most of these deaths are needless. Americans bury or cremate about 20,000 transplantable organs every year. Over 6,000 of our neighbors suffer and die needlessly every year as a result.

There is a simple way to put a big dent in the organ shortage -- give organs first to people who have agreed to donate their own organs when they die.

Giving organs first to organ donors will convince more people to register as organ donors. It will also make the organ allocation system fairer. People who aren't willing to share the gift of life should go to the back of the waiting list as long as there is a shortage of organs.

Anyone who wants to donate their organs to others who have agreed to donate theirs can join LifeSharers. LifeSharers is a non-profit network of organ donors who agree to offer their organs first to other organ donors when they die. Membership is free at www.lifesharers.org or by calling 1-888-ORGAN88. There is no age limit, parents can enroll their minor children, and no one is excluded due to any pre-existing medical condition.

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