National Donate LifeMonth
By Darcee Dunkle, CSC

How many of you are aware that last year President Bush declared April as National Donate Life Month? Are you a donor? Do you know how to become a donor? Just what does organ donation entail?

Here are some facts regarding organ donation and transplants: more than 83,000 people in the United States currently are waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant; between 12 and 17 people die every day waiting for a transplantable organ; someone is added to the national organ transplant list every 13 minutes. Up to 50 lives can be saved or enhanced by just one organ and tissue donor. Transplantation of organs and tissues is no longer considered experimental - transplant surgeries today have success rates of up to 95%.

So, what organs and tissues can be donated? The following organs can be donated from a cadaver (dead person): kidneys, lungs, corneas, liver, pancreas, heart, heart valves, stomach, intestines, bones, tendons, ligaments, skin, and bone marrow. The following can be donated from a live person: one kidney, a portion of the liver, a lobe of a lung, small intestine, islet cells, and bone marrow. It is also anticipated that donating and transplanting a portion of the pancreas will be available in the near future.

How does one become a donor? Anyone between the ages of 18 and 80 can become an organ donor by signing an organ and tissue donor card. You can get a free card to sign and carry with you by calling 1-877-PA-HEALTH. In Pennsylvania, you can also become an organ donor by having the "Organ Donor" designation placed on your driver's license or photo ID card. This designation can be done at any Photo License Center. If you are under the age of 18, you may still be able to become a donor with parental consent.

Now that you know a few facts about tranplantation and how to become a donor, what else do you need to know? You should know that there are no fees or charges assessed to the deceased donor's estate or family for any procedures necessary for the donation of organs or tissues. Organ donation does not disfigure the body, and open casket viewings are possible.

Whether or not you wish to be an organ donor, please discuss your wishes with your family. If there is no signed donor card or donor designation, and if you are under the age of 18, your family will make the final decision regarding donation. If you have a signed donor card or have a donor designation on your driver's license, your family cannot override your decision. However, representatives or the local donor organization will talk with your famiy, and will generally not go against their wishes, even if these issues conflict with yours. This is why it is so important to discuss this vital issue with your family.

If you are not currently an organ donor, please reconsider your decision. The current rate of donation is sadly inadequate to meet the growing needs or our friends, families, and neighbors. Our fellow Americans need our help, and the possibility exists for all of us that we may one day be in need of an organ or tissue transplant.

For more information, contact: Pennsylvania Department of Health at 877-PA-HEALTH National Coalition on Donation at 804-782-4920 Center for Organ Recovery and Education at 800-DONORS-7