Benefits of Organ Donation

There are numerous benefits of organ donation. Becoming an organ donor is one of the most selfless acts that a person can engage in. The facts on organ donation are staggering: there is a dire shortage of available organs for needy patients and of those minorities seem to be the most affected.
Understanding what organs can be donated can be vital in becoming an organ donor, as well as other factors including how being an organ donor affects the recipient and who is eligible for donation.

Shortage of Organ Donation

According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, every day 19 people die who are waiting for organ transplants due to a shortage.

The benefits of organ donation in minorities is important because they have a higher need for organ transplants due to certain diseases that affect individual races on a more frequent basis, such as end-stage renal disease.

What Organs can be Donated

Many parts of the human body can be donated, including organs, such as kidneys, heart, lungs and liver. The pancreas and intestines are also viable organs. Although many organ transplants occur post-mortem, many organs can be donated via live donation, including a full kidney or a portion of another organ, such as a part of a lung.
Other parts are capable of transplantation as well, including tissue, stem cells, and blood and platelets. Donation through these means can restore sight or repair hearts.

Impact of Organ Donation on the Recipient

According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, for every one organ or tissue donor, over 50 lives can be saved or improved. Not only does organ donation affect the lives of the recipient, but also that of the donor and his family. Preserving another’s life can be extremely fulfilling emotionally and may help with individual coping.

Who is Eligible to be an Organ Donor

Although a few medical conditions do exist that prevent an individual from being an organ donor, such as those who are HIV positive or have active cancer or systemic infection, most people are eligible to donate. Age is not a factor, either, except in the case of a minor, who would need a parent’s authority.

Benefits of Organ Donation

Becoming an organ donor can greatly impact the lives of the donor and the recipient, as well as their families. Understanding the vast amount of organs that can be donated can help encourage someone to become an organ donor, whether it be live or post-mortem.