Health & Aging | Thrive Wellness
Did you know that more than 114,000 people in the United States are on a transplant waiting list? Even the largest football stadium in the US could not fit the number of individuals on the national transplant waiting list! You may have family members, neighbors, or friends who are impacted by the shortage of organ donors.
Becoming an organ, eye, and tissue donor can truly make a life-saving difference for someone in need.
Here's how you can help:
1. Register to be an Organ Donor: Taking just 30 seconds to register as an organ donor can potentially save up to 8 lives through organ donation and impact as many as 75 people through tissue donation. Adding the donor designation to your driver’s license is an essential step.
2. Consider Living Donation: If you're eligible, consider becoming a living donor. Donating a kidney or a portion of your liver can be a remarkable act of generosity and can drastically improve someone's quality of life. One of our own team members, Jessica Folckemer, Executive Director at Westminster Woods, shared her experience of a living donation:
“In January 2017 I had the privilege of becoming a living organ donor. From that day forward, I am thankful my mother experiences another day of living that she might not have received otherwise. The gratitude for modern medicine and the abilities we have to assist the ill to live another day is truly amazing. I was always taught to help others whenever you are capable, and I hope others will do the same. Share your life with others and give the gift of life!”
3. Celebrate National Blue & Green Day: Participate in events like National Blue & Green Day observed in April to raise awareness about the importance of organ, eye, and tissue donation. Simply wearing blue and green can help start conversations and spread awareness.
4. Share Your Donation Decision: Talk to your family and friends about your decision to be a donor. Sharing your decision can inspire others to register as donors and can help break down misconceptions surrounding donation.
By taking these steps, you're not only helping those currently on the transplant waiting list but also raising awareness about the importance of organ donation in your community. National Donate Life Month in April is a great time to start or continue these efforts! Every action counts in making a difference in the lives of those in need.
Sources:
https://donatelife.net
https://donatelifepa.org/
https://www.pennmedicine.org/
