Are you an organ donor?
Recently I came across an article in USA Today that discussed organ donation rates within the U.S. Having an interest in healthcare, this article sparked my interest. Did you know that currently only 86 million Americans are enrolled as organ donors? While that seems like a high number, there are still never enough hearts, lungs, kidneys--you name it--for those patiently waiting in need.
In an attempt to increase organ donation sign-up rates, many states are trying to implement programs. Colorado leads the pack in the most organ donation volunteers at 64.4%, followed by Iowa (62.8%), Montana (62.4%), Washington (56.7%) and Wyoming (55.4%). Among the country's lowest states for organ donation are New York (11.1%), Michigan (12.7%), Arizona (17.2%), California (25.5%), and Kentucky (25.9%).
Many states with higher organ donors require DMV employees to ask license applicants whether or not they want to participate. In many other states workers are not required to ask, leaving the decision up to the applicant entirely, who may not even know about the donor program. Probably the most unique of proposed tactics to offset the low number of organ donors, is the use of “Presumed Consent.” This idea would require that people be automatically registered for organ donation unless they opt out during their visit to the DMV.
Could a reason for these low rates be the mode in which we are required to register--at the DMV? I know the last thing I think about as I go to the DMV is whether or not I want to be an organ donor. I am usually worried about passing the sign test or being asked to retake the written test. What are other ways states can increase donor rates so people in need can receive organ transplants?
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I wonder if people don't sign up to be organ donors because it's a bit daunting...many people, I would think, might be unsure of exactly what it means and how it works. I was talking to somebody recently who had just become an organ donor and he was worried that he wouldn't be able to have a traditional funeral because his entire body would basically be donated. These are scary decisions to make, and maybe it would help if states clarified what exactly it means to be an organ donor and gave more specific examples of how it has helped save lives in the past.
Another thing -- have you read Stiff, by Mary Roach? Great book. It talks about donating your body to science and does a great job of clarifying what it means and debunking some myths.
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