Organ and Tissue Donation Information

• Every day, people die while waiting for a transplant.
• One donor can potentially help more than 50 other people.
• Donation can improve and even save the lives of those suffering from organ failure,
  bone defects, burns or blindness.
• You have the power to give the gift of life.

Even knowing the benefits of organ/tissue donation, it is still a difficult subject for a lot of people and their families. It’s uncomfortable to talk about, and even harder to actually make, and follow through, with a personal decision as to whether or not you will become a donor yourself.

There are a couple of steps to take to reach a decision that is right for you:

STEP ONE…The big question

Of course, when deciding whether or not to donate organs and/or tissue, the obvious question is: "What if it was my child or loved one that was dying, mutilated, or blind…and the only hope for their condition was to be able to receive a donated organ or tissue?" The answer is pretty simple; for almost all of us, we’d be praying that someone out there (along with their family) had the loving forethought to give the gift of life in the event of their own personal tragedy.

STEP TWO…Education

There are a lot of fears from misinformation or NO information regarding organ/tissue donation. Good places to visit for some facts to common fears or questions (including whether religions support organ and tissue transplantation) are:

• National Transplant Assistance Fund http://www.transplantfund.org/facts.html
• TransWeb http://www.transweb.org/index.htm

Good personal sources of information include:

• Your doctor
• Your pastor

STEP THREE…Decision

If you personally decide against organ and tissue transplantation, that’s okay. This is a free country, and everyone has the right to make their own decision and have it respected. But do try to keep in mind---even if you personally disagree with becoming an organ donor yourself---that if a family member wishes to become a donor, they also have the right to have their decision respected.

STEP FOUR…Action

If you decide to become a donor, there are two steps that need to be taken:

1. Fill in the Uniform Donor Card (see below), and always carry the signed card with you.
2. Discuss your wishes with your family…Even though you have signed your driver’s license or a donor card (below), your organs and tissues still may not be able to be donated without the consent of your family members.