While the number of Americans registered as organ and tissue donors is rising, the Michigan Organ Donor Registry only includes 21 percent of licensed drivers (the national average is 38 percent). Yet, according to a new survey of Americans, 72 percent want their decision to donate honored, even if their family disagrees. The best way to ensure that your wish will be honored is to sign up on the Michigan Organ Donor Registry today. Visit www.IJoined.org and click on the Michigan link to join.
A recent online survey of 5,100 U.S. Adults – supported by Astellas Pharma US, Inc. – uncovered some misperceptions and confusion about organ donation and registration. Among them:
- Nearly a quarter (23 percent) of people who say they are undecided, reluctant or do not wish to donate are not sure whether they would be acceptable donors. Yet, in reality, age or health conditions do not prevent people from being potential donors, as donation screening only occurs before organs and tissue are recovered for transplant.
- Only half (50 percent) or respondents correctly believe that doctors will try as hard to save their lives if they have already expressed their wish to donate organs and tissues.
- Just under half (44 percent) mistakenly think that there is a “black market” in the U.S. in which people can buy or sell organs or tissues.
- Only 43 percent of respondents understand that it is impossible for a brain-dead person to recover from his or her injuries.
“There is a real crisis taking place with regard to organ availability in this country,” says Sara Pace Jones, chair of Donate Life America. “Dispelling commonly held misperceptions and increasing the public’s trust of the donation and transplant system is paramount when it comes to solving it.” Through efforts such as the Michigan Eye-Bank’s I Joined! campaign and Buddy Day, Michigan is making strides in educating the public, encouraging them to join the Donor Registry and get the red heart donor sticker for their driver’s license or state I.D. But the Eye-Bank still needs your help to spread the word.
To learn more about the survey, go to www.astellastransplant.com
