Every 9 minutes, another patient in the U.S. is added to the organ transplant list. These patients are waiting and hoping desperately for a lifesaving or life-changing gift, but the need for organ transplants far outweighs available organs. That’s because only a little over 50 percent of all American adults are listed as organ donors. Yet, there are many reasons that nearly everyone should consider opting in as organ donors.
Organ Donors Can Change Multiple Lives
You may think of the heart, lungs, or kidneys when you consider organ donation, but the list is far more extensive. In addition, the liver, pancreas, intestines, and corneas can all be used to drastically improve or even save the life of patients. Likewise, blood and tissues including skin, heart valves, bones, and tendons can also be useful. In total, as many as 85 patients can be helped by a single organ donor.
Nearly Anyone Can Become an Organ Donor
Outside of a limited few health conditions like cancer and HIV, most people are eligible to become organ donors. Furthermore, registering is easy. A lot of people choose to do this through the DMV when renewing their driver’s license. However, there is no need to wait for your next trip to the DMV. If you wish to register as an organ donor in Louisiana, it’s as simple as filling out this form.
There are not Enough Organ Donors to Meet Demand
Each day, an average of 22 patients die awaiting organ transplants. With only half of Americans currently registered as organ donors, there simply are not enough organs available to save all the lives of those who need them. In addition, not everyone who is registered will be able to donate their organs. In fact, only 3 in 1,000 deaths occur in a way in which organs are viable for transplant. The odds are truly stacked against those needing organs, and the best way to improve those odds is by having as many potential donors as possible.
Organ Donation Could Save the Life of Someone You Love
While we hope that you nor any of your loved ones are ever directly impacted by the need for an organ transplant, the reality is that over 100,000 Americans are in that exact situation. Having a large, viable list of organ donors helps ensure that as many of these people as possible receive the incredible gifts that they need. To register yourself as an organ donor in the state of Louisiana, click the button below, and give the gift of life.
