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Be An Organ DonorMore than 1,500 Wisconsin residents are currently waiting for a life-saving transplant. On average, one Wisconsinite dies every three days, still waiting.
“There’s a severe shortage of donors, and people are dying as a result,” said Tim Olsen, community development coordinator for the Wisconsin Donor Network.
The lack of available organs also causes emotional stress and strain for patients and families, who often live years in limbo.
“Fortunately, many do get a transplant, but most still go through an agonizing wait, not knowing if they’re going to be one of the statistics or if they’ll be one of the lucky ones,” Olsen said.
Much of that waiting could be eliminated if more people became organ donors. While the general public overwhelmingly supports organ donation, less than 30% of the population has signed a donor card or discussed the issue with their families.
Olsen encourages people to consider organ donation. “Sign the back of your driver’s license and share your wishes with your family,” Olsen said. You must let your family know your intentions because “when the time comes, we make sure that we have the support of the family before we go ahead with the donation.”
“People need to realize that when they suffer a tragedy like the loss of a loved one, there’s nothing that can make that better. But if they choose to donate, they can prevent a similar loss for others.”
To learn more about being an organ donor, contact the Wisconsin Donor Network at 1-800-432-5404 or visit its Web site at wisdonornetwork.org.
Source: Every Day Date: May - Aug 2006 |
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