Though at least 60% of the American population has signed up to be organ donors, that doesn’t mean their organs will be acceptable when the time comes. That’s why it’s best for as many persons to get registered as possible.
As an African American, it’s even more important. While you don’t have to be the same ethnicity as the person who receives your organ, specific genetic markers can make matching easier for persons with similar ethnic backgrounds.
Steps To Becoming an Organ Donor
The process for becoming an organ donor is fairly simple. It’s best to contact your state’s donor registry for all the details.
These can be found at organdonor.gov. Once you’ve been registered, you can add that information to your drivers’ license at the time of renewal.
As soon as those two steps have been completed, you would have taken all the legal action needed to ensure that your organs can be donated.
To go the extra mile, though, communicate your wishes with your loved ones. If at any point, you decide to appoint someone to make medical decisions for you, tell them as well.
Even if you haven’t been registered, a loved one or appointed decision-maker can give doctors permission to give your organs to someone in need.
Diseases That Can Prevent Organ Donation
There are actually very few illnesses or chronic diseases that will preclude you from donating an organ. This can also vary depending on which organ you wish to donate.