Have you consented to being an organ and tissue donor yet? Have you had that conversation with your family or next of kin?
Today, I read the most heartbreaking headline coming out of Oregon: "Oregon Man Begs for Kidney Donor on the Street." A 28 year old man with a genetic disorder needs a kidney, which he can't get from family due to the genetic nature of his condition. His insurance will cover everything, including many expenses of the donor, but after more than a year on the waiting list, he's resorting to a roadside plea.
This shouldn't have to happen. As the article explains, it may be time to flip the switch. In both the US and Canada, the systems operate under an "Informed Consent" mandate, meaning that we have to opt IN as organ donors, and that our family or next of kin ultimately makes the decision, regardless of our wishes. In a growing number of places, the mandate is a "Presumed Consent" one, where everyone is considered as consenting to being an organ donor after they die, unless they specifically opt OUT. My own Master's project research bears out the conclusion that it may be time to make the switch. It's been done, it's been successful, and it's clear that the current system isn't working in meeting the needs of those who need a transplant.
If you're unsure, think of it this way...
A majority of people support organ donation. But many people don't take the time to go through the proper steps to register as organ and tissue donors, and many don't have the conversation regarding their wishes with their family or next of kin. People don't like thinking or talking about it, or they just never find the time to have the talk or register. It's one of those "I'll get to it when I can" tasks. The support is there, but it's not translating into action.
Until or unless the mandate switches to presumed consent, please folks, have the talk, sign the form or card or whatever the requirement is in your state, province or territory. Be a donor, save a life.
More willing donors...
...Wish you were here.
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