Ever thought about donating your body to science or just being an organ donor? April is National Donate Life Month and hopefully I can give you a few facts that might help you make a decision whether to donate. President Busch proclaimed this important month in 2003 to help raise awareness for the needs of tissue, marrow, organs, and blood donation.

Anyone, of all ages can intend to donate. Person’s under 18 must have parent or guardian consent. Suitability for donation will not be made until the time of death. There is no cost for donating, all cost related to the donation are paid by the recipient. Some of the organs and tissues that can be donated are: kidneys, pancreas, heart, liver, lungs, intestines, skin, cornea, connective tissue, bone marrow, and heart valves.

Approximately 300 new candidates are added to the transplant waiting list every month. Patients on the waiting list are matched to organs based on lots of factors but include time on waiting list, geographical location, medical urgency, and tissue and blood typing. Regardless of medical conditions you may have, you can still intend to donate. Determination of the donation is usually made by the medical staff or transport team.

If you would like to donate your body or organ (s), please discuss this decision with your family. You can carry an organ donor card or sign the intent on the back of your driver’s license. For more information go to www.organdonor.gov. This website has a place to print off a donor card and a link to order free information if you are interested.