In addition to caring for our individual selves, we can help improve the overall health of our entire community. If we make the effort to educate ourselves about donating vital substances while living (blood, bone marrow) and vital tissues upon our ascension- our collective health will improve many times over. Check out the information from our Health Channel Sponsor The California Transplant Donor Network...and improve the health of an entire community!
Improve
Our Collective Health
Facts About Donation and Myths Debunked
There is a lot of confusion in the African American community about organ, eye, and tissue donation. But for something as important as saving lives, only the facts count.
Fact: Anyone can be a potential donor regardless of age, race, or medical history.
Fact: Your commitment to donation will NOT interfere with your medical care. If you are sick or injured and admitted to the hospital, the number one priority is to save your life. Organ, eye and tissue donation can only be considered after you are deceased and once the donation process has been discussed with your family.
Fact: All religions support organ, eye and tissue donation and see it as the final act of love and generosity toward others.
Fact: When you are on the waiting list for an organ, all that counts is the severity of your illness, time spent waiting, blood type, and other important medical information.
Fact: In the United States, it is illegal to buy or sell organs or tissues for transplantation.
Fact: An open casket funeral is possible for organ, eye and tissue donors. Through the entire donation process the body is treated with care, respect and dignity.
Fact: There is no cost to the donor’s family or estate for donation. The donor family pays only for medical expenses before death and for funeral expenses.