Organ Donation“Gift of Life”

By Brenda Huls(Student Medical Assistant)

Information (facts)Benefits ofArguments againstMaking the wish known

Overview

Organ donation- Harvesting a person’s organs upon death, so that another person can have a better chance at life.

- Example: Kidneys, heart, intestines, pancreas, and liver

◦Most donation are obtain through being declared brain dead

-70 million American are registered donors -

Making it clear

controls organs

United Network for Organ Sharing, also know as (UNOS)◦maintains waiting list◦Organs are match 24 hours a day 365 days a year

Anyone can be a potential donor regardless of age, race, or medical history

Facts

organdonor.gov

organdonor.gov

When admitted to the hospital, the number one priority is to save your life.

-donation can only be considered after death.

90% of Americans support donation, with only 30% of them knowing the process to become a donor

U.S. federal law prohibits the purchasing or selling of organs.

Facts

Organs that are donated are given to rich or famous people, or given to people of a specific race first.

- False, organs are matched by blood/tissue typing, organ size, medical urgency, waiting time, and geographic location.

Financial issues involved with organ donation process.

- False, families will not be charged for any costs related to the donation.

myths

Saves lives, one person can save up to seven lives

Family members of the decease may find comfort in knowing that their love one lives on within others

Is a beautiful thing to make happen

Benefits of

People are uneducated, about the process

Fear of organs being sold illegal

Arguments Against

◦Amish-approves of donation to save a life, however, if the outcome is questionable they tend to shy away from doing it.

◦Gypsies-disapprove strongly, as they believe organ should be buried with the body, as the soul will maintain its self for one year after death

◦Jehovah’s witnesses- if the person makes the decision to donate organ, they must be completely drained of all blood first

Religious, Ethnic beliefs

Tell family members- So they are aware as making

the decision upon a love ones death may be overwhelming

Place it on a drivers license or a donor card

Make a living willEven if the wish is not to donor, put it in writing

The Wish

Examples of writing

Become a donor yourselfPromote it through work, school, or in your community

Support UNOS’ with their effect by donating time, money, or both

What to help

http://dteg.org/Tissue.php

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/organ-donation/FL00077

http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/organ-donation-facts

http://www.organdonor.gov/Default.asp

Reference