Too Old to Donate Organs/Tissues? Think Again!
Learn About the U.S. Organ and Tissue Donation Program
Aug 21, 2009
Many seniors are asked if they would like to be an organ donor when getting or renewing a driving license, but few know details of the U.S. Organ & Tissue Donation program. The OrganDonor web site shows a waiting list of over 103,000 people in need or life-saving organs or tissues in August 2009. According to the same site, approximately nineteen people die each day because donations are unavailable; however, one organ donor may save or improve fifty people’s lives.
Can Anyone Donate Organs and Tissues?
People of any age may be considered for organ and tissue donation. Even people with chronic or acute illnesses may be considered, with few exceptions, including those who are HIV positive, have active cancer, or those with a systemic infection. People who are not candidates for organ or tissue donation may still wish to donate their entire body to science by contacting their preferred medical school or willed body program.
The U.S. has a particularly high need for minority donors. People with particular religious affiliations may check the Health Resources and Services Administration's OrganDonor web site for specific statements from various religious institutions.
Can Living People Donate Organs or Tissues?
Most people assume that someone must die in order to donate organs or tissues, but people who are alive can also help someone in need. Living donor donation opportunities include:
- Kidney
- Part of the pancreas
- Part of the liver
- Part of a lung
- Part of the intestines
- Heart (for those with a healthy heart who are receiving a heart/lung transplant)
Adults between 18 and 60 may donate blood stem cells, including marrow and peripheral blood stem cells. Many people donate blood but are not aware of platelet donations. Platelets, which help the body to form clots, are often needed by people receiving certain types of cancer treatment and those who have certain blood disorders. Some people may need platelets that are closely typed to their own bodies, so donors that match those body types are in high demand.
In addition to the above organs and tissues, there is a need for tissues, such as cornea (of the eye), skin, heart valves, bone, blood vessels, and connective tissues.
Does it Cost Money to Donate?
The recipient will be responsible for the cost of procurement and transplantation, which is typically paid through insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid. The United States National Organ Transplant act makes it illegal to sell human organs and tissues in America. This protects those who have less financial means and provides a more fair way to distribute organs and tissues.
How Will Others Know of Wishes to Donate Organs or Tissues?
- Speak with family members or health care power of attorney regarding specific wishes because those people are typically asked to release the deceased person’s organs or tissues.
- Register with the state donor registry.
- Include this information on a driver’s license when renewing.
- Carry and sign a donor card.
The OrganDonor web site offers free printable donor cards or will mail a free card to those requesting one and also offers links for state donor registries.
Seniors Can Save or Improve the Lives of Others
Many seniors donate their time and talents to causes that interest them. Because organ and tissue donation can touch the lives of so many, seniors may also wish to give someone a second chance by becoming an organ or tissue donor today or after death.
Source: Health Resources and Services Administration's OrganDonor web site
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