More Organs, More Lives

In the back of the driver’s license, there is a section that asks whether or not the driver wants to donate their organs in the tragic case of their death. What the majority of the people don’t realize is their simple answer of yes or no could change a person’s life. In the U.S. today, thousands of people need organ transplants. People continue to die every year because of the lack of organs and their readiness. The waiting list for organs grows more each day. Creating solutions towards the organ shortage will increase the opportunities for people to receive their new, needed organs.
Based on frequently asked questions about organ donation, people believe doctors would treat a patient differently who is an organ donor than one who is not, by not working as hard to save the organ donor’s life. It is believed that doctors who are in massive need of organs, declare a patient dead before it’s their time to go. According to UNOS Donate Life, that is not true: “If you are sick or injured and admitted to the hospital, the number one priority is to save your life. Organ donation can only be considered after brain death has been declared by a physician” (“Common Myths”). Based on the fear these commonly asked questions present to us, the organ shortage has reduced a person’s opportunity on a new, healthier life. In “The Solvable Problem of Organ Shortages” Dr. Mortisugu reminds us “The shortage of donor organs is a medical problem for which there is a cure” (Brody).
In 1994, Europe created the “Donor Action Programs” that increased organ donations by 35%. The “Donor Action Programs” educates people about organ donation through media, schools, colleges, and during appropriate training programs for hospitals and ICU staff. In the U.S. in 2003, the “Program of Organ Donation Break” was introduced, creating collaboration between the transplant community and the general public. The American Society of Transplant Surgeons developed a DVD called “The Living Kidney Donor. What...