When you've made the decision to become an organ and tissue donor, here's what to do.
- Sign the organ and tissue donor card, and carry it in your wallet or purse at all times. Have two people witness your signature, preferably family members.
- If you have a driver's license, find out from your local motor vehicle department how you can indicate on it that you want to be an organ and tissue donor.
- Tell your family members that you have decided to become an organ and tissue donor so they will understand your wishes and support them.
- If you are under age 18, you may need to take additional steps to make a valid donation declaration.
Organ and tissue donations at Glendale Memorial Hospital are coordinated through the federally designated organ procurement agency, One Legacy. For more information, visit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Web site at www.organdonor.gov or call 1-888-Ask-HRSA.
Anatomical Gifts
You can help up to 50 people.
All you need to do is say YES to organ and tissue donation on your donor card and/or driver's license and DISCUSS your decision with your family.
Read on to learn more. Someday you could be a lifesaver for someone in need.
Why consider donating your organs and tissues?
A few very good reasons:
- As of June 2001, approximately 77,000 people in the U.S. were on the national waiting list for an organ.
- An average of 15 people die every day because not enough organs are available.
- Organ and tissue transplantation saves lives. For example, about 60 people receive life-enhancing organ transplants each day and about 82 percent of patients who receive a donated kidney are still alive 5 years later.
What organs can be transplanted?
Donated kidneys, hearts, lungs, livers, pancreases and intestines can be transplanted.
Who decides who receives donated organs?
The Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network matches donated organs with critically ill patients on the national waiting list. Medical urgency, compatibility of blood chemistries, and body size are considerations in making the match.
