Do It Now!

For many of us, our only connection to organ and tissue donation is when we renew our driver’s license and are asked if we would like to be a donor.

The problem is the need for organ and tissue donors far exceeds those who say “yes” at the BMV.

The national waiting list for organ donation is rising at an alarming rate with a new name added every 10 minutes. According to the United Network of Organ Sharing, nearly 99,000 men, women and children need a life-saving organ transplant and 2,800 of those individuals are Ohioans.

Locally, at the University of Toledo Medical Center, there are 202 people waiting for a donated kidney to become available. Sadly, 18 people die every day due to the shortage of donated organs.

You have the power to save lives, ending the long wait for organ transplants.

Make the commitment to be an organ and tissue donor by joining the Ohio Donor Registry. Enrolling is as easy as saying “yes” to donation at the BMV when you renew or obtain an Ohio driver’s license or state identification card.

Another option is to complete a donor registry enrollment form, or simply register at www.donatelifeohio.org. Remember to tell your family about your decision to donate your organs and tissue, as they will be consulted as part of the donation process.

If documentation does not exist, your next of kin will be asked to make a decision for you. Already knowing your wishes makes it much easier for your loved ones.

Sudden and unexpected death is tragic and painful. Many families receive comfort in knowing their loved one’s wishes have been met and that an untimely death can bring life to so many others. Remarkably, one donor can save up to eight lives and improve the lives of up to 50 people. Transplantable organs include: kidneys, liver, heart, lungs, pancreas and small intestine. Tissues that can be donated include: skin, bones, cartilage, heart valves, veins, fascia and corneas.

You have the power to save lives, restore movement to injured limbs, speed up recovery of badly burned patients and provide sight to eyes that were previously blind. Last year, more than 28,000 Americans received a life-saving organ transplant and more than 1,000,000 individuals had their health restored with donated tissues.

Organ and tissue donation provides the gift of life for thousands of men, women and children each year. A record number of U.S.-Americans have given their consent to donation. These individuals are ordinary people with extraordinary power to improve the lives of others.

You have the power to donate life. Be an organ, eye and tissue donor. Do It Now!