The Importance of Organ, Eye and Tissue Donation

• More than 110,000 men, women and children are currently on the national waiting list for organ transplants.

• In Ohio more than 3,400 individuals are awaiting organ transplants.

The Waiting List

The National Waiting List

National Statistics for Transplantation and Donation

• 18 people die every day waiting for a life-saving transplant.

• Every 10 minutes, someone new is added to the transplant waiting list (140 people added daily).

• Average of 78 organs transplanted daily in U.S.

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Local Organ Recovery Organizations

Deceased Donation

BRAIN DEATH

• The complete and irreversible cessation of all functions of the brain, including the brain stem.

• Only 1% of all deaths are brain death.

• NOT same as coma or “vegetative” state.

Brain DeathCerebral Angiography

Normal blood flow to the brain

NO blood flow to the brain

Donation Process, Step-By-Step

• When a person is injured, they are rushed to the hospital where doctors do EVERYTHING they can to save the person’s life.

• If the patient’s doctors determine brain death has occurred, the Organ Recovery Organization steps in to discuss the option of organ donation with the family.

• After brain death, the donor’s body is maintained on a ventilator to sustain organ function.

Donation Process, Step-By-Step

• Organs healthy enough for transplant are matched to the best potential recipients and transplant teams arrive for the recovery surgery.

• The donor’s body is taken to the operating room where organs are recovered by transplant surgeons.

• If tissue is donated, it is surgically removed and then the body is prepared to be taken to the funeral home.

• The recovery organization provides the family with general information about the recipients of the donated organs and tissue.

What Can Be Donated?

ORGANS– Heart – Kidneys– Liver – Lungs– Pancreas – Small Intestine

One organ donor can save the lives of up to 8 people!

What Can Be Donated?

TISSUE– Bone– Cartilage– Corneas– Heart Valves– Ligaments & Tendons– Veins– Skin

One tissue donor can enhance 50 or more lives!

Common Misconceptions

Misconception:“I support donation, but don’t register because I worry if I’m in an accident, doctors won’t try to save me if they see I’m a donor on my license.”

– Juanita, age 16

The TRUTH:Doctors WILL try to save your life! Hospital staff do not coordinate the donation process. Donation takes place only after all efforts to save your life have failed, you’ve died, and your family has been consulted by the recovery organization.

Common Misconceptions

Misconception:“My mom told me I can’t be an organ donor because it’s against my religion.”

– ShaDaun, age 14

The TRUTH:All major religions in the United States support organ, eye and tissue donation and some view it as a final act of love and generosity toward others.

Common Misconceptions

Misconception:“I really want to help someone through donation, but if I can’t have a normal funeral, I won’t register.”

– Jason, age 17

The TRUTH:Donation doesn’t affect funeral arrangements. With great respect for the donor, organs, eyes, and tissue are recovered by highly trained medical professionals. Traditional funeral practices, including an open casket, may follow if the family desires.

Common Misconceptions

Misconception:“After all my family would go through if I died, I wouldn’t want them to have to worry about extra bills.”

– Clarence, age 15

The TRUTH:Donation costs your family nothing. The local recovery organization is responsible for all costs related to the donation process.

Common Misconceptions

Misconception:“It’s on my driver’s license. I don’t need to tell my family, right?”

– Jamie, age 18

The TRUTH:While the decision to register as a donor in the state of Ohio is considered legally binding for those 18 years of age and older, you are still encouraged to share your wishes with your loved ones. Discussing this can make donation decisions much easier for a family at a time of loss.

Registering Your Decision

• Driver’s license, permit or state ID from BMV

• Online: http://www.donatelifeohio.org

• Brochure by mail

Thank you!Please contact your local organ procurement organization

for more information or to schedule a speaker.