Over 117,000 men, women and children are on the national transplant waiting list. Every 12 minutes another person is added. In Louisiana over 1,600 people are waiting for organ transplants, 90% of whom are waiting for kidneys. Nearly 20 people each day die unnecessarily because there are too few organ donors. This adds up to thousands of people per year.
There are a lot of myths about organ donation, but only the facts count.
- Your decision to donate will not interfere with life-saving medical care. Organ and tissue donation is only an option after all attempts have been made to save your life and death has been declared.
- Anyone can potentially be a donor regardless of age, race or medical history. Cancer, heart disease, diabetes, poor eye sight or cataracts will not prevent you from being a donor.
- 1 healthy donor can save up to 9 lives.
- Six organs can be used for transplant: heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, pancreas, and small intestines.
- All major religions approve of organ, tissue and eye donation, and see it as an unselfish act of charity.
- Donation does not prevent open casket funerals.
- Organs and tissue are surgically removed and the donor is treated with utmost dignity and respect.
- There is no cost to the donor or their family for organ, tissue and eye donation.
- It is illegal to distribute organs based on wealth, citizenship, or celebrity status.
- It is illegal to buy or sell organs for transplantation in the United States.
- Let family members know about your decision to become an organ, tissue and eye donor. Only then can they support your decision to give the Gift of Life.
How Do I Register to Become An Organ and Tissue Donor?
A donor form is available from the hospital. Just ask your nurse. You may also sign up through the following resources:
For more information please contact LOPA at 1-800-521-GIVE (4483).