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The holidays are here and Pennsylvanians are embracing a renewed sense of giving. However, a recent survey found that many people are reluctant to think about the greatest gift of all: the gift of life.
Donate Life PA commissioned a poll to understand the hesitation about organ donation. We asked 400 Pennsylvania adults who are currently not registered organ donors: “If you were sick or injured and needed an organ or tissue transplant, would you accept the donation?”
Eighty-two percent of people not registered as donors said they would accept an organ transplant if they were sick or injured and needed one.
Yet, despite the willingness of survey participants to receive a donation, only 46 percent of eligible Pennsylvanians are registered as organ and tissue donors.
The poll revealed some familiar misconceptions. Twenty-one percent of respondents said that they were too old or unhealthy to register. For example, one Luzerne County resident told us, “I have diabetes, I don’t think my organs would be in good condition.”
The fact is that anyone can register to be an organ donor — regardless of age or health. The oldest organ donor ever was 90 years old. Organs and tissues are carefully screened for diseases before transplant.
Don’t let your age or current health prevent you from registering.
We found that 10 percent of residents think that registering as an organ donor means doctors wouldn’t work as hard to save their life if they were in an accident. It is an old myth that is absolutely not true. Doctors are committed – and obligated – to do everything they can to save each person’s life. The medical team that treats a patient or makes a determination of death is always separate from the physicians involved with an organ transplant.
Responses also showed that 23 percent of Pennsylvania residents had simply not given serious consideration to registering as an organ donor. Many indicated that they didn’t have the time or forgot to register while renewing their license.
Fortunately, residents can register any time online at donatelifepa.org/registration and the registration process takes only 30 seconds.
Donate Life PA wants to make sure that all residents know that each registered donor can save up to eight lives and improve up to 75 lives. With nearly 8,000 people in Pennsylvania currently on the waiting list for a life-saving organ transplant, we need more residents who are willing to be heroes.
I’ve witnessed donor families find a profound sense of comfort with the realization that their loved one’s donation enabled someone else to live. I’ve seen donor families and recipients meet for the first time and tearfully embrace as they celebrate the gift of life. Those experiences are beautiful, emotional and powerful. From a sense of loss, came a sense of love — and a second chance at life.
As we think about the spirit of giving this holiday, I urge everyone to register as an organ and tissue donor.