There are many facts and myths about being an organ donor. Please read below to see the most common facts and myths about being an organ donor.
First, the facts of being an Organ Donor …
- As of August 2022, almost 106,000 people are waiting for an organ transplant. 85% of the people on the list are waiting for a kidney.
- On average, a new name is added to the waiting list every 10 minutes. Every day, an average of 22 people die while waiting for an organ donation.
- One donation can save 8 lives and help 75+ people with tissue needs.
- Anyone can register, but not all can donate (annually 2M deaths, 15,000 eligible donors).
- Medical staff exhaust all possible life saving efforts before testing for brain death.
- There is no age limit to be a donor. Babies as young as a week old have been recorded organ donors and adults in their 90’s and older have also been successful donors.
- Decision to donate cannot be overturned if donor is over 18 in Texas (since 2006).
- There is one nationwide waiting list. It is illegal to sell organs and tissues for transplant.
- Many faiths endorse organ donation.
- You do not have to be deceased to be a donor.
- “Donate Life Texas” teams are dedicated to supporting all families.
Now, The Myths of being an organ donor …
- If the heart is on my license, or the emergency room doctors know that I am a donor they are not going to try and save my life.
- The rich and famous get first priority.
- Organ donors cannot have open casket funerals.
- Older people cannot be organ donors.
- Immigration status prevents a person from registering.
- A donor card means a person is on the Donor Registration list.
- Once a person is on the registry, there is no way to be removed.
- A person who registers must donate all organs.
Still have questions? Please contact us and we’ll help!
