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Why Organ Donation? Why is it important to consider organ donation?

Recently I have been involved in a National Collaborative organized by the Canadian Council for Donation and Transplantation to increase the awareness of this issue as well as attempt to increase and amount of donations within our facility.

I have been aware of the importance of organ donation for some time now. Having worked as a nurse in a Neuro ICU setting, I have some first hand experience as a health care provider in managing the issue. I must say it is admirable to see families and friends think of others in a time of deep sorrow and pain. There appears to be a comfort felt on behalf of the family members to know that their loved one has provided such a wonderful gift to someone who is in need- beyond what anyone can truly comprehend. I do not have any personal experience regarding organ donation. I am not waiting for a transplant, nor is anyone close to me waiting. Yet I think I understand how important it is to those who are waiting.

What can I do?

I think we all know people who have benefitted from such wonderful gifts, a "true gift of life". Not many can go untouched in their lifetime without meeting someone is is waiting or who has benefitted. There are literally thousands of people waiting for transplants today. The collaborative to which I belong has made progress in increasing awareness and donors. The collaborative relies on a listserv to keep up to date in each participating organization's process, and we 'steal shamelessly' from each other. The information that is distributed through this important communication tool is saving lives! We need to educate our staff, and provide them with the tools to identify those patients who may meet the criteria to be an organ donor, to have the knowledge and skills to approach family members and loved ones in such a difficult time, and most of all to offer to those who wish to participate the chance to do so.

The most important thing that can be done right now is to talk to your family. The people around you need to know what your wishes are. I have seen those who knew what their loved one wanted if they were ever in the situation, and the stress is significantly less. Most provinces and states have central registries that maintain information related to a person's wishes for organ donation, and legislation in some areas exist in support. In New Brunswick a data base is maintained via our Medicare card. It is known when we access health care services if we wish to donate.

Ultimately you need to talk to your loved ones. Let them know what your wishes are. Organ donation is a wonderful gift. What would you give for another day, another moment, to hold your child, to watch a child graduate, to smell fresh air, many things we take for granted everyday.