Giving New Life to Others
We have the option to leave behind more than our personal assets upon death.
In fact, you could actually give new life to others through the donation of healthy organs or tissue. This provides an opportunity to broaden your legacy beyond your family and immediate friends, potentially impacting the health and happiness of a host of thankful strangers. Here’s how you can make a difference through organ and tissue donation.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
There are some 107,000 men, women and children on the national waiting list for a transplant. A new person joins the list every nine minutes, according to the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration. Some 39,000 transplants were performed in 2020, but a projected 17 people still die every day while awaiting a new organ. Kidneys are the most critically needed, followed (in order) by the liver, heart, lung and other organs. Eye and other tissue donations are also critically important to the well being of others.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
All legal citizens of the United States may donate organs at the time of their death (and, in some cases, during their respective lifetimes, as well). Certain diseases and conditions may disqualify otherwise eligible donors, including cancer, HIV or other systemic infections. At the same time, however, organs that are unaffected by these issues could still be accepted.
TALK IT OVER
Like most end-of-life decisions, deciding to donate your organs upon death is a deeply personal choice. Still, it’s best to have a frank discussion about it with your friends and family, so that they’ll be aware of your wishes. These talks may even convince them to become an organ donor, as well — especially if you tell them that every donor can save as many as eight people, while enhancing the lives of more than 75 others.
HOW TO REGISTER
A 2019 survey of organ donation attitudes and practices found that 90% of Americas support donations, but just 60% were actually signed up. The process couldn’t be any easier. From home, visit the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration website and fill out a simple form. If you’d prefer to go through this process in person, representatives are available at any local Department of Motor Vehicles.