ETSU College of Public Health

Donate Life UniversityOpportunities for ACTION

The Facts…

• Over 106,000 patients waiting RIGHT NOW…

• 18 people die everyday…

• 1 person is added to

the waiting list every 15 minutes!

• Real time wait list http://www.unos.org/

Why should I donate?

• Only 6,000 of the 15,000 medically suitable organ donors actually donate each year.

• Average of 3.5 organs recovered from each donor

6,000 x 3.5 = 21,000 lives saved per year

15,000 x 3.5 = 52,500 possible lives saved per year

99,000/52,000 = 1.9 years

What can be donated?

• Organs– Heart– Lungs– Small Intestine– Liver– Pancreas– Kidneys

• Tissues– Eyes– Skin– Bone– Veins and Valves– Connective Tissues

• Muscles, Tendons, and Ligaments

Myths and Facts

MYTH:

If I become a donor, physicians will not try as hard to save my life in an emergency situation.

FACT:

If you are ill or unconscious when admitted to the hospital the number one priority is to save your life! The medical team that treats you is separate from the transplant team. Donor services will not be notified until after all lifesaving efforts have failed.

Medical care is NEVER compromised because

of organ donation status.

Myths and Facts

MYTH:

Donation takes a long time and you cannot have an open casket.

FACT:

The time between death and donation is usually 12 to 24 hours for most organs and tissues. After donation the body is fully reconstructed and in most cases can be viewed in an open

casket.

Myths and Facts

MYTH:

Donation goes against the beliefs of most religions.

FACT:

Most major religious groups in the United States support donation and see donation as the greatest gift you can give another.

Myths and Facts

MYTH:

There is a black market for organs and tissues.

FACT:

It is illegal to buy, sell, or trade for organs and tissues. It is a federal crime to sell organs and tissues in the United States.

Anyone convicted of violating this law is subject to a maximum fine of $50,000 and/or a maximum five years in prison.

Myths and Facts

MYTH: Donation adds extra costs to the donor families.

FACT: Donation costs the donor family nothing. All donation costs are paid for by the donor program or the transplant center. However,

the family is still responsible for expenses accrued before donation consent was given.

Myths and Facts

MYTH:

I have a history of medical illnesses and cannot donate.

FACT:

Very few illnesses eliminate the ability to donate. At the time of death donor services will review your medical history to

determine donor suitability on a case-by-case basis.

Myths and Facts

MYTH:

Transplants do not work.

FACT:

Transplants do work! Transplants are considered standard medical practice. Most recipients have a survival rate of 75% or greater.

Giving Life

How does the donation process work?

1. Patient declared brain dead by physician after all lifesaving attempts have failed

2. Hospital contacts Donor Services

3. Donor Services conducts evaluation for donation suitability

4. Donor Services checks to see if patient has designated themselves as a donor.– State registry, DMV, Donor card, Advanced directive– TN/VA first person consent states

5. If no documentation exists, donor services will

will then discuss the possibility of donation with the family.

Donation Process

6. After receiving consent, Donor Services conducts second medical evaluation to match recipients

7. Donor Services will contact United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS)– Factors considered when matching recipient:

Blood type

Medical urgency

Length of time of waiting list

Geographical location (closest first)

Donation Process continued

8. Organs recovered and transferred for transplantation

9. After donation the patient’s body is restored and released for the funeral

– Donor services provides bereavement services for donor families AND non-donor families

How can I donate and help to save lives?

• Sign the state registry

www.donatelifetn.org (TN residents)

www.save7lives.org (VA residents)

www.donatelife.net (national)

• DMV – Tell the DMV you want to be an organ donor EVERY TIME you renew your

license. This automatically places you in the state registry. Not checking “yes” drops you out of the state registry.

• Sign your license! • Talk to your family about your wishes!!

Alexa’s story

For More Information

• Mountain Region Donor Serviceswww.donatelifetn.org

• Donate Life Americawww.donatelife.net

• United Network for Organ Sharingwww.unos.org

www.budurl.com/DonateLifeTN

www.twitter.com/DonateLifeTenn