So I am renewing my license the next month and I have changes that need to be made. One of those changes will be that I am becoming an organ donor. While it seems simple to just check a box or whatever at the DMV, are there other steps that should be taken to have everything in line? Do I have to register with the state in some other way or form? Are there any legal papers that should be filed in order to have this process completed? Any other thoughts or suggestion that Donna may have for a person in this situation? Dan
Dan,
First, thank you for wanting to become an organ donor and second thank you for submitting your question to Ask Donna!
Here are somethings you might not know.....
February 14th is National Donor Day
Nationally…according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
* 113,050 people are waiting for an organ
* 18 people will die each day waiting for an organ
* 1 organ donor can save up to 8 lives
* Each day, an average of 79 people receive organ transplants.
So, to answer your question...
To make sure your life-saving decision is fulfilled:
* Join the Missouri (or your state’s) organ and tissue donor registry. (can do this online at http://organdonor.gov ) pick your state….then register)
* Check the back of your driver's license to indicate you want to be a donor.
* Inform your family, friends, faith leader, and physician of your decision. Add this information to your Living Will. Let your medical power of attorney know your wishes and discuss any restrictions you may have regarding donation.
In Missouri, the Attorney General has a wonderful website with medical power of attorney forms and information. http://ago.mo.gov/publications/lifechoices/lifechoices.pdf
For Texan residents – The Texas Medical Association has a resource page with downloadable forms at http://www.texmed.org/template.aspx?id=65
I hope this information helps. If you need anything else, don't hesitate to Ask Donna!
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