Locals urged to take part in organ donation

To address the critical shortage of organ donors and save countless lives, SA commemorates National Organ Donor Awareness Month this month.

The country gained international recognition for its expertise in organ transplantation, yet the growing number of patients awaiting transplants underscored the pressing need for more donors.

As the shortage of potential donors remains a significant concern, the Organ Donor Foundation urged citizens to consider registering as organ and tissue donors.

Interested individuals can sign up by visiting the foundation’s website or calling the toll-free line on 0800 22 66 11.

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Once registered, donors receive a small organ donor card to keep in their wallets.

Furthermore, the foundation provided stickers for identification documents and driver’s licenses, making the donor’s wishes clear and accessible.

According to the Organ Donor Foundation, open conversations with family members about becoming an organ donor are crucial.

Informing them of your intention to donate organs or tissue after death and requesting them to honour that wish can ensure the donation process goes smoothly.

Eligibility and considerations

Healthy individuals without defined chronic diseases that might adversely affect recipients are considered potential organ and tissue donors.

An existing medical condition does not necessarily preclude one from becoming a donor because the time of death determines organ and tissue transplantation.

Prospective donors are not required to undergo medical tests during registration.

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Such tests are only conducted after death by medical professionals, who evaluate medical history, perform blood and culture tests, and do physical examinations to ensure the suitability of organs and tissues for donation.
Organ vs tissue donation.

Distinctions between organ and tissue donations highlight the complexity of the process.

Organ transplants typically occur after a person is declared brain dead but remains on life support.

In contrast, tissue retrieval can take place hours or even days after death, expanding the window of opportunity for donation.

Organs are usually transplanted shortly after retrieval, but the tissue is stored in specialised tissue banks for use as needed.

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Life-saving impact

The impact of organ and tissue donation is profound.

A single organ donor can save up to seven lives, with the heart, liver, and pancreas capable of saving three lives and kidneys and lungs benefiting four individuals.

Tissue donation is equally vital, allowing one donor to help up to 50 people through cornea, skin, bone, tendon, and heart valve transplants.

Process and privacy

Certification of brain death by two independent doctors is a prerequisite for organ donation.

On the other hand, tissue donations can occur within a few days after death, making them feasible even in cases where organ donation is not possible because of logistical constraints.

Confidentiality regulations prevent the identification of donors and recipients.

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Additionally, neither donors nor their families incur any costs associated with a donation because hospitals and tissue banks cover all expenses.

Respecting individual choices

The decision to donate organs and tissues is a personal one.

Individuals can choose which organs or tissues they wish to donate, and families are made aware of these preferences.

Furthermore, families can be assured that organ and tissue retrieval is done with respect and dignity.
Role of religion and changing one’s mind.

While most religions support organ and tissue donation to preserve life, those with religious concerns are encouraged to consult their spiritual leaders for guidance.

Individuals can change their minds at any time and easily opt out of donation by destroying their donor card and removing the stickers from identification documents.

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As SA grapples with the shortage of organ donors, National Organ Donor Awareness Month is a call to action.

By engaging in open conversations, considering registration, and spreading awareness, citizens can transform lives and contribute to a brighter, healthier future.