Talks with Tarra, RN

 

April is recognized as National Donate Life Awareness Month in 2003.  This month is dedicated to not only improving support to those desperately waiting for life saving donations but honors those who agree to be donors. 

Organ donation takes many forms: 

Deceased- Donors or their next of kin determine whether their organs will be donated at the time of death. 

Living – Some organs or tissue may be donated by a living donor.  Types of organs and tissues donated include kidneys, liver and bone marrow.

Vascularized composite allografts (VCA) – This type of donation may not save a life, but can improve a patient’s quality of life.  The types of tissue or organs donated include skin, muscles, nerves and other connective tissue. 

According to United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), one organ donor can save up to eight lives.  Every ten minutes someone is added to the national transplant waiting list.  The more donors registered the more lives saved