April is Organ Donation Awareness Month

April is Organ Donation Awareness Month. Last year, organ donors saved more than 28,000 lives. An additional one million people received tissue transplants.

Dr. William Cioffi, President of University Surgical Associates , joined The Rhode Show to talk more about the need for organ donation.

While 28,000 is a great number, there's still an organ shortage.

"There are currently more than 110,000 men, women, and children in the United States waiting for a life-saving transplant. More than 3,400 of these individuals live right here in the New England region."

Most people might immediately think of major organs when it comes to donation. But there are many organs and tissue that can be used as well.

"Organ donation and transplantation allows the donation of organs such as heart, lungs, kidneys, pancreas, liver and intestines as well as tissue such as skin, veins, tendons, bone, bone marrow, heart valves and cornea," said Dr. Cioffi.

For some people there is a myth or fear that if they are registered to donate, they won't get the best care. But, Dr. Cioffi said people should not be concerned about that.

"The first responsibility of medical professionals is to save lives, and every effort will be made to save your life before donation is considered. Donation is only pursued as an option after all life-saving measures have failed and death is legally declared."

Becoming an organ donor is easy to do.

"Today you can become an organ donor online by visiting donate life New England. There is a simple form online that you can fill out. It asks a few basic questions and takes only a few seconds."

Online:
http://www.donatelifenewengland.org/
http://www.usasurg.org/