April is National Donate Life Month (Organ Donation month)

No, you don’t have to actually donate your organs this month but it would be great if you registered as a potential donor. Did you know that if you only sign the card that comes with your driver’s license saying, “I want to donate my organs” then your family can go against your wishes and refuse the donation. You must register your desire to donate your organs with your State Donor Registry or in person at your Department of Motor Vehicles. You can register right now at:

http://www.organdonor.gov/donor/registry.shtm

Just click on your state and follow the instructions. You should also let your loved ones know about your organ donation preferences. That way if they are in ever in this situation, they will know that this is what you wanted and that they need to be respectful and cooperative with the organ donation process.

Who can donate?

Age, most medical conditions or sexual orientation do not exclude you from being a suitable organ and tissue donor. (In fact, there has been a 93-year-old kidney donor and a 99-year-old cornea donor!) There are very few automatic rule-outs, and due to medical advancements, even some of these may change over time. In the event you are in a position to be an actual donor, medical specialists will evaluate your medical history to determine your suitability to donate. (donatelifecalifornia.org)

Pass this information on. In some other countries, being a donor is automatic. You are a donor unless you decided to opt out. We live in a country where you need to opt in. You have to choose to save lives by donating.

Other ways to share the message is you can encourage your company, association, union, or other organizations to which you may belong to join the Workplace Partnership for Life. Tell your local high school about Decision Donation, a school program that educates students about donation. Participate in local National Donate Life Month events sponsored by your local organ procurement organization.

For more information: http://www.organdonor.gov/get_involved/donatelifemonth.htm