Raising Awareness of Organ Donation

Raising awareness about organ donation is important, as it can impact the lives of many. Sean Schnitzius, RN, Intensive Care Unit Nurse, Northern Nevada Medical Center, explains how lives can be saved with each donation, and how to become a donor.

How many lives can one donor save?

One donor has the potential to impact up to 75 lives through organ, eye and tissue donation. With more than 100,000 people waiting for an organ,* every donor makes a difference in the care and life of recipients. Organ, eye and tissue donations can include the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, pancreas, intestines, corneas, bone, skin, tendons and heart valves to be used for transplants, bone and skin grafts, and repair of recipients’ various organs.

Why might someone want to become a donor?

While someone is added to the national transplant waiting list every eight minutes,* there are not enough registered donors to address the growing need. And, more than 6,000 people die* each year waiting for an organ transplant. However, every organ donor helps to make a difference in someone’s life and has the potential to save others.

There is no cost associated with becoming an organ, eye and tissue donor, but there is the opportunity to help those 100,000 people on the waiting list.

How can someone register to become a donor?

There are multiple ways that someone can register to become a donor. If you are receiving or renewing your license, there is a check box on the form, and your license will reflect that you are an organ donor. You can also register online with the National Donate Life Registry.