Transcript Slide 1
GET THE FACTS: Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation Developed by Donate Life NJ to support the mandate of the New Jersey Hero Act (S755/A2083) Why should I learn about donation? There are over 110,000 people in the US waiting for a life-saving organ transplant, and nearly 5,000 in NJ. There are not enough donated organs available for everyone on the list, many people die while waiting. You will have to make a decision about whether you want to register as a donor when you apply for or renew your license once you turn 18. You can become a hero and save the lives of others by registering as a donor. In 2011 . . . 25,380 143 403 people died in central and northern NJ people became deceased donors (This is less than 1% of the total deaths for that year)** organs were transplanted from deceased donors** *National Vital Statistics Reports, Vol. 58, No 23, July 29, 2010, ** www.UNOS.org The Number of People Waiting for a Transplant Far Outweighs the Number of Organ Donors Organs That Can Be Donated HEART KIDNEYS LUNGS PANCREAS LIVER INTESTINES One Organ Donor Can Save Up to Eight Lives Most Commonly Donated Tissue BONES HEART VALVES CORNEAS SKIN TENDONS VEINS One Tissue Donor Can Enhance Up to Fifty Lives Who Can Be A Donor? Anyone can register to be an organ and tissue donor. Most donors are people who have experienced a severe, life-ending trauma to the brain and are declared brain dead in a hospital. This means that brain function has irreversibly and permanently ceased. Common Myths and Misconceptions “If I have a history of medical illness, my organs or tissue are unfit for donation.” Due to medical advances more people than ever are able to become donors. At the time of death, the appropriate medical professionals determine whether or not you can be a donor. “Transplants can be ‘bought’ by the wealthy and powerful." . Social and financial data are NEVER considered. Organs are computer matched according to compatibility of donor and recipient, wait time, and medical need. “My religion does not support donation.” All major organized religions approve of organ and tissue donation and some consider it an act of charity. “I am signing up to be a living donor when I register as an ‘Organ Donor’ on my license.” Registering as an organ donor on your license has nothing to do with living donation. In New Jersey, having the words “Organ Donor” on your license means that you consent to donating your organs and tissue once you have died. “If I’m registered as an organ donor the doctor is not going to work as hard to save my life.” The decision to be an organ donor will in no way affect the level of medical care for a sick or injured person. The team of doctors and nurses involved in treating the patient is not involved with the transplant/recovery team, which is only called after death has occurred. How to become a HERO When you renew or apply for your license at a Motor Vehicle Agency say “yes” to becoming an organ and tissue donor. OR Register as an organ and tissue donor on-line at www.njsharingnetwork.org What if I’m under the age of 18? You still have the power to donate! Tell your family your decision so that they know of your choice to become a donor. Help save lives, say “yes” to becoming an organ and tissue donor. I‘m A Hero . . . Are You?