According to Donate Life, National Donor Day is an observance dedicated to spreading awareness and education about organ, eye and tissue donation. National Donor Day was started in 1998 by the Saturn Corporation and its partner, the United Auto Workers, and is supported by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
More than 118,000 Americans are waiting for a life-saving organ transplant. One-third of those people will die before they receive an organ. When you choose to become a donor, you are choosing to do your part to help others in need.
Why doesn’t everyone sign up to be a donor and save lives? Unfortunately, there are many myths and misconceptions about organ donation that hold some people back from signing up. Before you make your decision about becoming a donor, arm yourself with the truth:
MYTH: Doctors will not try to save my life if they know I am a registered organ donor.
TRUTH: Paramedics, doctors and nurses will do everything possible to save your life. The medical staff is completely separate from the transplant team. Transplant surgeons are called only after all efforts to save a life have been exhausted.
MYTH: I can only sign up to donate when getting/renewing my driver’s license or photo ID.
TRUTH: You can sign up to be an organ donor at any time — and it only takes 30 seconds.
MYTH: My religion does not approve of donation.
TRUTH: Many organized religions support organ donation, considering it a generous act that is the individual’s choice.
MYTH: I can’t be a donor because of my age or health issues.
TRUTH: Anyone can decide to be a donor regardless of age or health. In fact, the oldest organ donor in the U.S. was 92. Your ability to donate is determined at the time of death.
MYTH: My family will be charged for donating my organs.
TRUTH: There are no costs to the donor’s family for donation. It is also free to sign up to be an organ donor or to have it included on your driver’s license, learner’s permit or photo ID.
MYTH: Donation will interfere with plans for my funeral.
TRUTH: Donation should not interfere with customary funeral plans, including those with open-casket viewings. Doctors maintain dignity and respect for the donor at all times.
MYTH: Organs are sold, with enormous profits going to the medical community.
TRUTH: Federal law prohibits buying and selling organs in the United States. Violators are punishable by prison sentences and fines.
CLICK HERE to become an organ donor.
ACTION: CLICK HERE to take the Gift of Life Donor Program quiz. Visit livewellepc.com to find the link and then note that you completed the action.
The deadline to complete is Tuesday, February 28
I took the Gift of Life Donor Program quiz.
What is the monthly punch card? Each month you will have a task to complete. Complete six months and you will be marked as completing an a la carte program. Complete nine months and you will be entered in a drawing to win $25. The Wellbeing year runs from October through September.