Top reasons to be an organ, eye and tissue donor
Organ donation is an opportunity to help others.
People who are on the national transplant waiting list typically have end-stage organ disease that significantly impacts their quality of life, and in many cases, they may be very near the end of their life. Receiving a life-saving transplant becomes a life-changing event for these people, their families and friends.
The national transplant waiting list continues to grow.
Right now, there are more than 108,000 men, women and children on the national transplant waiting list for a lifesaving organ. Sadly, approximately 20 times each day a man, woman or child dies for lack of an available organ. Once every 48 hours, an Ohioan dies waiting.
One person can potentially save eight lives through organ donation and heal more than 75 through tissue donation.
Organs which can be donated include the heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, pancreas and small bowel. Tissues which can be donated include corneas, bone, fascia, skin, veins and heart valves.
Ohio needs more registered organ, eye and tissue donors.
In Ohio, there are more than 3,100 people – approximately 700 in Central Ohio – waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant.
Becoming a registered donor is easy.
Ohioans may declare their decision to become a donor by registering online through Lifeline of Ohio.
Additionally, individuals may declare their decision when at the BMV, or by completing a Donor Registry Enrollment Form by calling 800-525-5667.
Lifeline of Ohio encourages everyone to talk to their loved ones about their donation decision. When the next-of-kin knows their loved one’s decision at the time of death, it is one of the most helpful steps a grieving family can take to deal with its loss.
The Ohio Donor Registry is an individual’s first-person authorization to donate organs, corneas and tissues at the time of their death, if possible.
Talk about your decision to donate
Telling your loved ones of your decision to register as an organ, eye and tissue donor is crucial. When the next-of-kin knows their loved one’s decision at the time of death, it is one of the most helpful steps a grieving family can take to deal with its loss. Having a discussion will help them feel confident and prepared when they are presented with information about the donation process.
The Ohio Donor Registry is an individual’s first-person authorization to donate at the time of their death, if possible, through organ, eye and tissue donation. However, for individuals 15 ½ to 18 years old, their parents or legal guardians can revoke or amend their authorization for donation.
