Myths and Facts about Organ Donation
Licking Memorial Hospital Physician Ann Govier, M.D., is a champion for organ donation and was named as the 2013 Physician of the Year by Lifeline of Ohio for her commitment to organ, eye and tissue donation. Dr. Govier recently compiled the following myths and facts concerning organ donation.
Some of the most common myths and misconceptions related to organ donation:
“If I’m in an accident and the hospital knows that I am designated as a donor, the doctors won’t work as hard to save my life.”
A physician’s number one priority is to save the life of each patient, regardless of whether the patient is registered as a donor or not.
“If I am a registered donor, doctors may remove my organs before I have passed away.”
A series of tests, based on the hospital’s policy, are conducted over a period of time to determine brain death.
“Organs can be bought or sold on the black market.”
It is illegal to buy or sell organs or tissue for transplant.
“The rich and famous people get priority for organs.”
Celebrity and financial status are not considered in organ allocation. Factors such as blood type, body size and geographical location are some of the factors used to determine the best candidate for the organ that is available.
“I am too old to be a donor.”
Anyone of any age has the potential to be an organ, eye and/or tissue donor. The oldest donor on record is an individual who was 92 and he donated his liver to someone in their early 60’s.
“I have a history of medical illnesses. No one could benefit from my donation.”
Your medical condition at the time of death will determine what organs, eyes and/or tissue can be donated.
“My family will have to pay if I become a donor.”
Giving the Gift of Life is free.
“My religion does not support organ or tissue donation.”
All major religions support donation, and most see it as a generous act of giving and caring.
“My family will not be able to have an open casket funeral.”
Donation should not delay or change funeral arrangements. An open casket funeral is possible.
Organ donation by the numbers, in Ohio:
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Once every 48 hours, an Ohioan dies waiting.
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In 2013, 288 Ohioans shared the Gift of Life through organ donation at the time of their death.
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From those, 962 organs were transplanted.
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1,816 Ohioans gave improved quality of life to others through tissue donation in 2013.
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In Ohio, more than 3,370 people – approximately 690 in Central Ohio – are waiting for an organ transplant at any time.
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Hundreds more await tissue transplants.
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During 2013 in Central and Southern Ohio, 81 individuals shared the Gift of life through organ donation and 329 through tissue donation.
Organ donation by the numbers, nationally:
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The national waiting list for organ transplants is steadily increasing, with 121,933 on the list as of 3/28/14.
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Approximately 18 times each day, a man, woman, or child dies while waiting for an organ transplant.
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28,952 transplants were performed in the United States in 2013.
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Each year, nearly one million Americans receive a donated tissue transplant.
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A single donor potentially can save the lives of eight people and enhance the lives of up to 50 more by donating vital organs.
Visit DonateLifeOhio.org to learn more about donation and to register online. Registration forms also are available at the LMH Main Entrance reception desk.
| Posted On : 4/1/2014 8:52:49 AM