How to Register for Organ Donation in Ohio: A Guide to Saving Lives
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Many Ohioans are currently seeking organs and tissues to improve their health and save their lives. To help those in need, consider joining the Ohio organ donor registry.
Learn more about organ donation and auto insurance in Ohio. Use EverQuote to find cheap car insurance in Ohio today.
Introduction to Organ Donation in Ohio
Donate Life Ohio is the state’s main provider of organ donation services. It partners with various organ procurement organizations throughout the state to educate Ohio residents about organ and tissue donation and encourage them to join the Ohio donor registry.
Understanding Organ Donation and the Gift of Life
While 80% of Ohioans say they would like to donate, only 59% have actually joined the registry. Over 3,000 Ohioans are awaiting a life-saving organ transplant. The best way to close the gap in these statistics is to educate yourself on organ donation.
Anyone can register as an organ or tissue donor. You will not be disqualified based on age, finances, health status, or other reasons. Donating does not cost money, and most donations can work around existing medical conditions. In addition, many religions and cultures honor the gift of organ donation, and organs can be donated to recipients of different races and ethnicities.
The Process of Tissue and Organ Donation
An organ donor must be declared brain dead and kept on a ventilator. Organs are removed in an operating room, while tissue donations are retrieved in qualified rooms. After the donation is retrieved, the donor family can choose a funeral home where the donor’s body is sent. It is possible to have an open casket funeral after organ donation.
Organ and tissue donations are then matched to a recipient based on location, body size, blood type, and medical urgency. Information about the donor is kept confidential.
The donation process and eligibility requirements for living organ donation vary. Living donors must generally be in good health without existing medical conditions. They must also undergo screening tests to match them to a recipient, evaluate their health, and assess their understanding of the risks.
Types of Donations
Ohio organ donation falls into two categories:
- Living donation is when a donor gives organs while still living. This includes kidneys, liver, lung, and pancreas. Some rare cases include intestine donation and even heart donation.
- Deceased donations occur after a donor has been declared brain dead and kept on a ventilator. Some tissue donations can also be made even if the donor is not kept on a ventilator.
Donations can also be categorized based on what is donated. Organs, tissues, and eyes can be donated. While organ donations include full or partial organs like kidneys and hearts, tissue donation includes tendons, heart valves, veins, skin, bones, birth tissue, and any other tissue that can be used to save lives. Donors can also donate eyes to help people with vision impairment.
How To Register as an Organ Donor in Ohio
There are a few easy ways to become a registered organ donor.
- First, you can say “yes” when you visit the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). If you are getting a new license or identification card, the form will ask if you want to be an organ donor. Simply mark “yes,” and you’re done.
- Second, you can mail an enrollment form to the BMV. Just fill it out and send it to: Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Attn: BMV Records, PO Box 16520, Columbus, OH 43216.
- Finally, you can register online. If you have a valid driver’s license or ID card, you can log in to the BMV website as a guest. Read the donor disclaimer and click “Agree.”
Common Questions About Organ Donation
Before becoming a donor, here are some questions you can and should ask to help guide your decision:
- What happens if I have an existing medical condition?
- Do my family members need to agree to donate my organs after I pass?
- Will my religion or culture support my decision?
- How are organs matched to a recipient?
- What are the risks of a living donation procedure?
Resources for Ohio Organ Donors
There are plenty of resources for Ohio organ donors or potential donors. Try visiting transplant center websites for your area, such as Donate Life Ohio. Many other government and educational organizations from Ohio also have online resources to help you learn about the process.
Protect Your Journey: Compare Car Insurance Rates Today!
When you choose to become an organ donor, your driver’s license will include a small heart symbol that indicates to emergency responders and healthcare personnel that you are willing to donate your organs after situations like car accidents.
If you are involved in a car accident, you want to ensure that you protect your financial assets with car insurance in Ohio. Car insurance rates can vary based on many factors, including ZIP code and driver profile. Use EverQuote, a free online quote comparison tool, to compare custom policy options today.