Signing up to be an organ donor is a simple but incredible way to touch other people's lives. This gift of life doesn't cost anything, and it's easy to register. Let's go over how to be an organ donor in Florida.
Some Great Reasons to Be an Organ or Tissue Donor in Florida
There are so many people waiting for organs to save their lives. In fact, over 106,000 adults and children are on the national transplant waiting list. Sadly, 17 people die each day because they couldn't get a transplant.
In Florida, more than 5,000 people are waiting for life-saving organ transplants. The most common transplants involve the kidney, heart, liver, lungs, pancreas, and intestines. Donors like you can give someone a fresh start in life.
You may not know that you can donate organs, but also tissue. For example, one tissue in high demand is the corneas. Corneas are the outer layer in front of the eye. Damaged corneas can lead to vision loss or blindness. What's incredible about cornea donation is you don't have to be a blood type match. Therefore, your donation can go to anyone in need.
Your Donation Can Help Many People in Florida
Your one gift can help so many others. Christoper Carroll of Donate Life Florida shared over email how many lives can be saved by organ and tissue donation.
"Anyone, regardless of their age, has the ability to save up to 8 lives through organ donation and can potentially enhance 75 lives through tissue donation," said Carroll.
Many of your fellow Floridians are hoping to get a second chance at life due to the generosity of those who choose to designate themselves as organ and tissue donors on Florida’s organ and tissue donor registry.
How to Become an Organ Donor in Florida
Everyone can sign up to be an organ donor in Florida, regardless of their health. This means you don't have to let any pre-existing conditions or other health concerns hold you back.
Anyone over 18 can sign up to be a donor at any time. Even if you're under 18, you can still be a donor, but you'll need your parents' permission.
So when can you actually sign up to be an organ donor? You can become an organ donor when you get your license. After you've taken your 4-hour Florida Drug and Alcohol Test, passed your permit exam, and aced your driving exam, you'll have the chance to decide.
When you're handing in your application, the agent will ask you if you'd like to be an organ donor, and all you have to do is say yes. If you're wary about donating certain organs, you can also specify any limitations you have with your organs, tissues, or eyes being used. Organs can include things like your heart, liver, or pancreas, while tissues include skin grafts, bones, and heart valves.
Carroll also shared that you can register online to become an organ or tissue donor, which might be easier if you've already passed your driver's license test.
"Individuals can register to donate when obtaining or renewing a driver's license or online through at www.DonateLifeFlorida.org," said Carroll.
When signing up online, you'll just need your standard demographic information, like your name, date of birth, and address.
In summary, you have the chance to help make the lives better for many others. And the registration process is so easy. Consider going online to register or sign up when you get or renew your driver's license.
