Controversial Subject

The topic of organ donation and transplantion is shrouded in controversy. I thought I would touch on a few of these topics over the next few blog posts. And I hope to do it as objectively as I can considering my situation and my feelings about organ donation.

There is a lot of discussion in the "transplant" community about the supply and demand issues with organ donation. The demand obviously outpaces supply and it always will with the current system. There are lots of people smarter than me out there trying to figure out new and innovative ways to deal with this grower problem. Presumed Consent, while a controversial subject, is one of these options to help with the growing need for more organs.

Presumed Consent is an "opt-out" model for organ donations, rather than the United States' current voluntary "opt-in" (Informed Consent) system (meaning you'd automatically be enrolled as an organ donor unless you specifically decided to opt-out.) Presumed Consent changes the nature of the consumer’s decision. It’s harder for consumers to actively choose not to help others in need than to passively let the opportunity to help slip by.

Presumed Consent for organ donations already exists in nine countries, including Austria, France, Spain, Sweden, and Italy (and is being considered in several others, including Great Britain.) In the “soft” opt-out system used by Spain and France, among others, you’re considered a donor unless you’ve instructed otherwise, but your family can refuse to allow the organ donation when you die. In the “hard” opt-out version, which exists in Austria, your family cannot say no. Several States in the United States are actually considering legislation to create an "opt-out" system.

It’s not likely that America would buy into to a “hard” opt-out system. If a Presumed Consent bill passed, it would probably allow a deceased’s family to veto organ donations. And there would also be plenty of safeguards so that no one would accidentally become a donor through sheer oversight.

A 2005 study published in Transplant International looked at 10 countries with either Presumed or Informed Consent for organ donations, and concluded that opt-out doesn’t necessarily guarantee higher donation rates. Other studies suggest that health education expenditures, death rates from accidents, and process and logistical issues may play a greater role.

Still, something needs to be done to boost the number of organs available. According to The Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network, some 98,000 people in the US are on waiting lists for organs (including about 74,000 for kidneys, 16,000 for livers, and 2,700 for hearts). It’s estimated that every 18 minutes, a patient dies for lack of an available organ.
Educating the public about the importance of organ donation may be the most reasonable approach.

I am a lucky one- someone didn't have to die for me to receive an organ transplant. But I do know what it's like to receive a life-changing transplant. These are people who (in most cases) did nothing to deserve the hand they've been dealt. And they want to be productive members of society. I don't know that presumed consent is the answer, but I do know that SOMETHING needs to be done. You never know if you or someone you love could be on "the list" one day. Think about it. (For more information, see http://www.organdonor.gov/.)

Practical things you can do to become an organ/tissue donor...

Here are some practical things YOU can do to become an organ and tissue donor or to promote donation.

Promote Organ & Tissue Donation
Download a page of eight donor cards to print and sign (PDF - 467 KB) fill out one & give the rest to family or friends
Find your State Donor Registry and register today
Order a free Donate Life Month poster
Order a free donor card
Order a free organ donation lapel pin

Talk to your family now about your donation decision. Help your family understand your wish to be an organ and tissue donor before a crisis occurs. Then they will be prepared to serve as your advocate for donation.

April is a special month...

April is National Donate Life Month. 30 days to help save a life. Here are some things you can do. Life most things, education is key.

What to Do in April
Every day in April, people across the U.S. make a special effort to celebrate the tremendous generosity of those who have saved lives by becoming organ, tissue, marrow, and blood donors and to encourage more Americans to follow their fine example.

Make it known: I want to be a donor
Register with your State Donor Registry, if available.
Say YES to donation on your driver's license.
Tell your family, friends, physician, and faith leader that you want to be a donor.
Fill out and sign a donor card, have it witnessed, carry it with you.

Tell someone: The need is great and growing.
More than 98,000 people are in need of an organ for transplant.
Each day, about 77 people get the organ transplant that gives them a second chance, but 17 to 19 others die because they did not receive an organ transplant.
More than half the people on the waiting list for a donated organ are racial or ethnic minorities. Chances of getting a transplant increase if donor and recipient share the same racial/ethnic background.

Get involved: Become a donation advocate.
Encourage your company, association, union, or other organizations to which you may belong to join the Workplace Partnership for Life.
Promote and support work site donation campaigns.
Tell your local high school about Decision Donation, a school program that educates students about donation.
Participate in local National Donate Life Month events sponsored by your local organ procurement

You never know when YOU or someone you love may need a life saving organ transplant. Know the facts!

Don't take your organs to heaven...

Heaven knows we need them here!

Have you guys ever seen that bumper sticker?

I love seeing that bumper sticker on the back of cars because I know that the people driving the car have been affected by organ transplantation, as I have. I recently learned that April is Donate Life Month. Every day in April, people across the U.S. make a special effort to celebrate the tremendous generosity of those who have saved lives by becoming organ, tissue, marrow, and blood donors and to encourage more Americans to follow their fine example. I wanted to take a moment to salute my mother for donating life to me. She is an amazing woman. She gave life to me twice, once as an infant and again on February 13, 2003 when she donated her kidney to me. In honor of Donate Life Month, I'm going to post some practical things you can do to promote organ donation!

Make it known: I want to be a donor
Register with your State Donor Registry, if available.
Say YES to donation on your driver's license.
Tell your family, friends, physician, and faith leader that you want to be a donor.
Fill out and sign a donor card, have it witnessed, carry it with you.

Tell someone: The need is great and growing.
More than 98,000 people are in need of an organ for transplant.
Each day, about 77 people get the organ transplant that gives them a second chance, but 17 to 19 others die because they did not receive an organ transplant.
More than half the people on the waiting list for a donated organ are racial or ethnic minorities. Chances of getting a transplant increase if donor and recipient share the same racial/ethnic background.

Thank you guys for reading about these very USEFUL facts about organ donation. For more information visit organdonor.gov