Organ Donation 101: How do I commit to become a donor?

Conan O'Brien indicated his wish to be a donor on his driver's license*

The steps to commit to organ and tissue donation are simple.

1. Register to become a donor in your state. Some states have donor registries. Others simply offer registration through their motor vehicle division.
2. Indicate your decision to be an organ donor on your driver's license. You may do this when you obtain or renew your license.
3. Carry a donor card until you have your decision displayed on your license or until you join a registry or in addition to taking these actions. A card may be printed out here, or you may order a free donor card.
4. Talk to your family about your wish to become an organ donor, so they may serve as your advocate to donate.

Did you know that each organ and tissue donor has the power to save or improve the lives of up to 50 people? Each day 77 people in the United States receive organ transplants, but 19 people die each day because or the shortage of donated organs.

According to a national report card prepared by Donate Life America, there are 80 million registered donors in the United States, but there is still a shortage of donors. The report card lists the following 10 states as having the most registered donors for 2008: Iowa, Colorado, Montana, Wyoming, Indiana, Washington, Ohio, North Carolina, Utah, and Alaska.The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) lists 102,131 waiting list candidates for organ transplants as of 9:22 this morning.

Please consider committing to organ and tissue donation. Each of us has the power to save lives and become heroes. To read tributes to those who have donated to save lives, visit the National Donor Memorial site.

* photo - Wikimedia Commons

   For more info: OrganDonor.gov, Donate Life America, Facts about organ donation