When one person helps another, there is nothing quite like it. Organ donation can be the difference between life and death for many ill or injured people. We can make that difference for people we love and people we’ve never met.
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What is National Organ Donor Day?
National Organ Donor Day raises awareness of organ, eye, tissue, marrow, platelet, and blood donation. The following facts represent only a portion of the importance and potential of organ donation:
- You may save up to 8 lives through organ donation.
- Last year, 28,000 people received transplants made possible by organ donors.
- 79 people receive organ transplants each day.
- 22 people die each day waiting for organ transplants.
- People of all ages can give and receive organ donations.
How Do I Register to Be an Organ Donor?
Registration for Utah Organ Donation is easy!
- All you need to submit is your name, address, driver’s license number, birthday, and gender..
- Display your organ donor status on your driver’s license.
- Outline your organ donation status and any specific directions into your advance directives, will, and living will.
Is Organ Donation Dangerous?
There are countless stories about organ donation, including rumors that may make you uneasy. Here is the truth behind a few common myths:
- If I’m too old or too young, I can’t be an organ donor
- Age doesn’t affect your ability to donate. Your organs will be evaluated at any point to see if they can be used.
- Children need organs, too. However, if you’re under 18, you need a parent’s permission before you can register.
- Doctors won’t work as hard to save me or might declare me dead sooner if I’m an organ donor
- Doctors are obligated to treat you as well as they can, whether you’re an organ donor or not.
- I’m not sure what my religious beliefs say about organ donation
- Most religions support organ donation as a charitable act.
- If I’m not healthy, I shouldn’t donate
- Most health problems don’t disqualify organs from being used. You can still be a donor, and doctors will evaluate your organs to make sure they qualify.
- It’s expensive
- Registering to become an organ donor is free.
- If you die and your organs are used for transplants, your family will not be charged any fees.
- Doctors will take my organs against my will
- Only the organs designated on your registration will be used.
- My organs will be sold on the black market
- Recent news stories have caused anxiety about this, but the chance of this happening is next to none.
- Your organs will be used to save lives.
Are There Other Ways I Can Help?
- Volunteer for donation events
- Donate money
- Be a living donor
- Learn more on the Utah Organ Donor website and share with your friends and family