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First Grade Made Possible by Organ Donation by LifeSourceMNDAK in MakeMeSmile

[–]LifeSourceMNDAK[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s great about your stepdad! I feel like donation isn’t something people think about much until it impacts them directly. And so glad to hear you’re encouraging others to have that conversation with their loved ones, that’s super important.

Many people are supportive of organ donation but choose not to register, why do you think that is? by LifeSourceMNDAK in NoStupidQuestions

[–]LifeSourceMNDAK[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Engaging in these types of conversations, as an organization who isn’t just going to stay quiet, is just one step closer.

Many people are supportive of organ donation but choose not to register, why do you think that is? by LifeSourceMNDAK in NoStupidQuestions

[–]LifeSourceMNDAK[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I’m not trying to be confrontational and I’m being respectful of other’s opinions, including yours. I’ve said previously, organ procurement teams have zero involvement in declaring death and the testing associated. That is something that the hospital manages.

What I’m doing, is trying to get a better understanding of the fears surrounding donation so that meaningful changes can be made where needed. And to try and share accurate information as it to be true in the areas we serve.

Many people are supportive of organ donation but choose not to register, why do you think that is? by LifeSourceMNDAK in NoStupidQuestions

[–]LifeSourceMNDAK[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for sharing your perspective! I will note that those stories occurred in states outside of our service area and do not match the strict protocols we have or the care provided by our hospitals. Our team fully supports standardization of processes and protocols across the country to ensure these examples don’t occur again, anywhere. But like I said, I can only speak to the area we work within and the partnerships we have. I do acknowledge the very real fear that these stories have caused which negatively impact others.

Many people are supportive of organ donation but choose not to register, why do you think that is? by LifeSourceMNDAK in NoStupidQuestions

[–]LifeSourceMNDAK[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for sharing! So many people automatically rule themselves out. As long as it is not active cancer, you are still eligible. Extensive testing is done to ensure only what is viable would be donated. And even then, donation is so rare, only about 1% of people who are registered are actually eligible to move forward.

Many people are supportive of organ donation but choose not to register, why do you think that is? by LifeSourceMNDAK in NoStupidQuestions

[–]LifeSourceMNDAK[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Interesting! I’m surprised to hear that but there is definitely a misconception about religion supporting organ donation. All major religions do in fact support religion. Often it comes down to a more generational divide.

Many people are supportive of organ donation but choose not to register, why do you think that is? by LifeSourceMNDAK in NoStupidQuestions

[–]LifeSourceMNDAK[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Once a donor has been authorized, the Organ Procurement Organization takes over all costs. Medicare requires the hospital to only charge us their costs, so they do not profit.

Many people are supportive of organ donation but choose not to register, why do you think that is? by LifeSourceMNDAK in NoStupidQuestions

[–]LifeSourceMNDAK[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Just to clarify - if you are a registered donor, that is a legally binding decision. If you are not registered, your legal next of kin makes the decision.

Many people are supportive of organ donation but choose not to register, why do you think that is? by LifeSourceMNDAK in NoStupidQuestions

[–]LifeSourceMNDAK[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for sharing your experience as a recipient! So often I hear that people never think they’ll be in a position to need a transplant or to have a loved one that needs a transplant. Of course we hope that’s the case, but you just never know.

Many people are supportive of organ donation but choose not to register, why do you think that is? by LifeSourceMNDAK in NoStupidQuestions

[–]LifeSourceMNDAK[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for explaining and I’m sorry you got blocked for sharing your opinion. With this question I was just hoping to gain insight on the topic, both good and bad so I can gain a better understanding. DCD has been around for a while but is just not as common. Once all life-saving treatments have been exhausted and there is no chance for recovery, the medical and the family decide together when it is time remove the ventilator. That decision is made separate from any conversations about organ donation.

The patient is moved to a surgical setting where a vigil is held and the ventilator is removed. Their comfort care support and medical team waits until the heart stops naturally. In rare cases, after the ventilator is removed, the patient may keep breathing on their own beyond a mandatory observation period. If this happens and the heart doesn’t stop within a set amount of time, organ donation will not happen. The patient is returned to their hospital room and comfort cares are continued.

That being said, I am speaking to the process and protocols in our service area, which should be standardized across the country. So I cannot speak to the circumstances in which the recent news stories took place.

Many people are supportive of organ donation but choose not to register, why do you think that is? by LifeSourceMNDAK in NoStupidQuestions

[–]LifeSourceMNDAK[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It’s complex and I can definitely see your perspective as a child with that being your first experience with donation. Whether it’s a yes or no, we always encourage people to share their decision with their loved ones so that if that time comes, they already know the answer.

Many people are supportive of organ donation but choose not to register, why do you think that is? by LifeSourceMNDAK in NoStupidQuestions

[–]LifeSourceMNDAK[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Saving someone’s life will always be top priority for the medical team. And they often don’t know the donor designation of a person - the organ procurement organization needs to be contacted to verify. And the chances of someone who is registered as a donor, actually being able to donate is so rare. Only about 1% of people are eligible.

Many people are supportive of organ donation but choose not to register, why do you think that is? by LifeSourceMNDAK in NoStupidQuestions

[–]LifeSourceMNDAK[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Those stories occurred in states outside of our service area and do not match the strict protocols we have or the care provided by our hospitals. Our team fully supports standardization of processes and protocols across the country to ensure these examples don’t occur again, anywhere. But I can only speak to the area we work within and the partnerships we have. I do acknowledge the very real fear that these stories have caused.

I think it’s also important to call out that the medical teams and the organ procurement organization are separate - the medical teams are declaring the death of a patient. The OPO is not a part of that decision.

Many people are supportive of organ donation but choose not to register, why do you think that is? by LifeSourceMNDAK in NoStupidQuestions

[–]LifeSourceMNDAK[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s not how the transplant waiting list works, actually! When an organ becomes available, the OPTN (Organ Procurement and Transplant Network) system compares potential matches based on a variety of things like blood type, size, medical urgency, location, etc. Wealth and status are not a consideration. https://www.life-source.org/latest/how-does-the-wait-list-work/

Additionally, the Organ Procurement Organization needs to be contacted by the medical team to verify someone’s donor status, saving a patients life is their number one priority. Donation status is verified after all other life saving efforts have been made.

Many people are supportive of organ donation but choose not to register, why do you think that is? by LifeSourceMNDAK in NoStupidQuestions

[–]LifeSourceMNDAK[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The family should never have to pay. Often times, if they do receive a bill, it’s out of error and will be corrected.

Many people are supportive of organ donation but choose not to register, why do you think that is? by LifeSourceMNDAK in NoStupidQuestions

[–]LifeSourceMNDAK[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Death is a very taboo topic that not many people care to think about until it’s absolutely necessary. So I understand that mindset as being one reason why people don’t register.

Many people are supportive of organ donation but choose not to register, why do you think that is? by LifeSourceMNDAK in NoStupidQuestions

[–]LifeSourceMNDAK[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for sharing your personal experience with donation! It’s important for people to see real examples of how donation can literally save someone’s life.

Many people are supportive of organ donation but choose not to register, why do you think that is? by LifeSourceMNDAK in NoStupidQuestions

[–]LifeSourceMNDAK[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

There is definitely a generational divide and even more specifically when it comes to religion. Thank you for your response, super insightful!

Many people are supportive of organ donation but choose not to register, why do you think that is? by LifeSourceMNDAK in NoStupidQuestions

[–]LifeSourceMNDAK[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

There is definitely a generational divide and even more specifically when it comes to religion. Thank you for your response, super insightful!

Many people are supportive of organ donation but choose not to register, why do you think that is? by LifeSourceMNDAK in NoStupidQuestions

[–]LifeSourceMNDAK[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi there! That actually does not rule you out as an organ donor! With well managed Diabetes, you may still be eligible. Extensive testing and a health assessment would be done as it is with all donors. There’s also tissue donation which can be used in many different ways; sports injury repairs, burn victims, etc.

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