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Organ transplantation is one of the most remarkable stories in the history of medicine. It offers the gift of life to so many patients and allows them the chance to have a productive life with their families and their communities.
The vast majority of Americans support donation as a way to give life and health to others. Unfortunately, many people overlook the important step to register to become a donor. Registering to be a donor helps those families during difficult timed that need a life-saving organ. You may ask the question, how do I register to become a donor? There are three ways that you can make this decision. At your local DMV when you renew your license, on the health app of your I-phone, and on line at www.registerme.org.
We reached a milestone in 2022. We celebrated having transplanted a million organs in the United States. In 2022 alone, we had a total of 21,368 Donors in the United States. This consisted of deceased and living donors. With deceased donors all of the main organs which are the heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, intestines and pancreas are viable for transplantation if healthy. Living donors can only donate kidney or liver. The average wait time for a kidney from a deceased donor is 3-5 years. A kidney from a living donor offers patients an alternative to years of dialysis and time on the national transplant waiting list. The living donor’s remaining kidney will enlarge, doing the work of two healthy kidneys. In a living donor, a part of the liver may also be donated. The remaining portion will regenerate and regain full function. Once you register to become a donor, this also includes tissue. Tissues consist of corneas, tendons, valves, veins, skin and bones.
In our communities there are many myths concerning organ and tissue donation. These myths at times hinder persons from registering to become a donor. One of the main myths is if I am in an accident and the Emergency Workers notice I am an organ donor, they will not save my life. This is untrue. Emergency medical person’s first priority is to save the life of anyone who is in danger. Organ donation is not discussed until the patient is at the hospital and they are brain dead. Before any decisions are made, family and medical team meet to determine outcome.
Another myth regards religious beliefs and donation. All major religions support organ and tissue donation and deem it has a final act of love, compassion and generosity.
Many think the process of organ and tissue donation is some mythical concept. A question is always asked, how does the process work? A person who has sustained a severe brain injury such as from an accident, stroke, or lack of oxygen is put on artificial support. The doctors work to save the patient’s life, but sometimes there is a loss of brain function. This is when the patient is declared legally and clinically dead, once this has been determined, donation is then an option. The hospital then will contact an organ procurement (OPO) in the area. The OPO will check the registry to see if the person is a registered donor. The OPO and their team will then contact the next of legal kin and donation can take place. Donation can provide many grieving families comfort in knowing that their loved one has given the gift of life to someone waiting for a life-saving organ.
If you are not an organ donor, you should consider becoming one. Have the conversation with your family and let them know your wishes. It is an opportunity for your legacy to live on but most importantly give the gift of life to someone in need.
*data received from (UNOS United Network for Organ Sharing)
Mark A. Brevard
Mark_brevard@neds.org
Mr. Brevard has been employed by New England Donor Services for since 2014. He currently holds the position as the Director Multicultural Community Outreach. This position allows him and his team to educate, promote, and spread the message of the importance of organ and tissue donation throughout the region focusing on communities of color.
Mr. Brevard serves as the chair of the Social Equity Steering Committee for New England Donor Services. He is a member of Donate Life America, and serves as a Board Member for Donate Life CT. He is also a committee member of the Association of Multicultural Affairs in Transplantation (AMAT) and served as the 2022 national conference chairperson. He has received numerous national and community awards for his work in promoting organ and tissue donation.