Presented by Jeremy Zeiders, PSL/donor family supports coordinator at Center for Organ Recovery & Education (CORE)
April is National Donate Life Month (NDLM), a month commemorating those who have received transplants, recognizing those who continue to wait, honoring donors and donor families, and thanking registered donors for giving hope.
Does My Social and/or Financial Status Play Any Part in Whether or Not I Will Receive an Organ If I Ever Need One?
A national system matches available organs from the donor with people on the waiting list based on many factors, including blood type, body size, how sick they are, distance from the donor hospital, and time on the list. Race, income, gender, celebrity, and social status are never considered.
Is There a Cost to Be an Organ, Tissue, and Cornea Donor?
There is no cost to the donor’s family or estate for donation. The donor family pays only for medical expenses before death and costs associated with funeral arrangements.
Why Should I Register My Decision to Be a Donor?
Most Americans support donation as an opportunity to give life and health to others. Unfortunately, many people overlook the important step of registering as a donor. Donors are often people who die suddenly and unexpectedly. Their families are then faced with making the decision at a time of shock and grief. Registering relieves your family of this burden. Organ, tissue, and cornea donors can save up to eight lives and heal the lives of more than 75 people; your registration symbolizes hope to patients waiting, and sharing it with your family lets them know your decision.
This National Donate Life Month, we ask the public to be part of this interconnected, life-sustaining community by registering as an organ, tissue, and cornea donor; and championing the Donate Life cause. Visit core.org/register/ and enter the necessary registration information online. It only takes about a minute.
Continue learning about the gift of organ donation in Part 1 and Part 3.
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