Michigan Ranks Near Bottom in Organ Donation
Online, April 8, 2010 (Newswire.com) - Last year in Michigan, 288 people donated organs - not nearly enough to meet the needs of the 2,900+ people on the state's transplant waiting list. It's why the Michigan Academy of Family Physicians is encouraging you to give serious consideration to becoming a potential donor during Organ Donation Month.
"Organ donation is important because it allows for something positive -- saving or improving a life -- to come from something as negative as the loss of a loved one," said Dr. David T. Walsworth, president of the Michigan Academy of Family Physicians (MAFP).
Michigan now ranks as 42nd in the nation in the number of people who've signed up to be organ donors. Too often, individuals rule themselves out as organ donors without understanding that they may still be able to help.
"Often, a patient may think she's not eligible to be a donor because of age, or a pre-existing condition," said Walsworth. "That's just not the case. People who are over 100 years old have become organ donors, and those with pre-existing conditions can still help save and improve the lives of others."
Facts about Organ Donation
1. There is no age limit on who can donate. Infants as well as senior citizens have been organ donors.
2. Organs or tissue that can be donated include the kidney, heart, liver, lung, pancreas, intestines, cornea, skin, bone and bone marrow.
3. If you want to donate, but have a medical condition, you don't necessarily have to rule yourself out. Instead, talk with your family physician to learn whether or not you might be a good candidate.
4. Virtually all religious denominations approve of organ and tissue donation as representing the highest humanitarian ideals and the ultimate charitable act.
5. Signing the back of a Michigan driver's license or state ID isn't enough to be a donor anymore. Residents now must join the Michigan Organ Donor Registry by going online to www.giftoflifemichigan.org, by calling (800) 482-4881, or by visiting a Secretary of State branch office. Also making your wishes known to your family and discussing it with them is very important to successfully donating organ and tissues.
"Of course, organ donation is a very personal decision, but if you have questions about becoming an organ donor, talk your family physician for answers," said Walsworth.
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