In recognition of April as “National Donate Life Month”, Linda Tully, RN, FNP, from the Madison Area Health Center reminds you to:

Donate the gift of life

Donating organs, blood, or tissue can be one of the most rewarding experiences, both for the donor and the recipient. Over 90,000 people are waiting for an organ transplant, however only 10,000 receive one each year. Not all donations have to be something huge to make a difference; you can give up to three people a second chance at life simply by taking an hour out of your day to donate blood. Many people fear that donating their organs after they die will leave them disfigured and unable to have an open casket funeral. This is not the case. Your organs will be surgically removed and you may still have an open casket funeral if that is your desire. There is no cost to you or your family to donate your organs, tissue, stem cells, or blood and give someone else the renewed chance at life.

Who can donate?

• No one is too young or too old to donate organs, tissue, or blood. Both newborns and elderly have been successful organ donors.
  
• There are very few absolute exclusions (active cancer, HIV, and systemic infection)
  
• Everyone can express their wishes to be considered an organ and/or tissue donor; the organs and tissues will be evaluated for usability when the situation arises.
  
• Most organs come from people who have died, but it is possible to be a living donor in the case of certain organs such as kidneys and parts of the pancreas, lungs, intestine, or liver.
  
• Most major religions either support organ and tissue donations or leave it up to the individual to decide if it is the right choice.

What can be donated?

• Organs
  
• Tissue
  
• Stem cells
  
• Blood and Platelets

How do you become a donor?

• If you are under 18, you need your parents’ permission.
  
• Express your desire to be an organ donor next time you renew your driver’s license or ask for a duplicate license to add this to your current license.
  
• Make sure your family and loved ones know your wishes to become a donor.

To find out where you can donate blood call the American Red Cross at 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (1-800-448-3543) or visit www.givelife.org

Sources:
http://www.organdonor.gov/
http://www.unos.org/
http://www.redcross.org
https://www.givelife.org/