Save a Life Tomorrow - Organ Donation
Life Goes On!
Many people are uncomfortable with thinking about what will happen when they die, let alone talking about it. The fact of the matter is that death is inevitable, but through organ donation, life can go on. Every 11 minutes, a new person is added to the national waiting list for organs and more than 6,000 people died in 2008 waiting for an organ donation. A single organ donor can save the lives for as many as 25 people!
Many beliefs regarding organ donation are often misunderstood. Most religions promote organ donation, and during the organ donation process the body is treated with complete respect. All wounds are properly closed similar to a surgical procedure.
How Can I Help?
The first thing you can do is sign the back of your license! For more information on organ donation in Illinois or how to go about registering, please visit http://www.donatelifeillinois.org/.
The next thing you can do is make sure to discuss your wishes with your family and friends. While it may be a difficult subject to discuss, it will be easier on family members in the long run; they won't have to make that type of decision during their time of mourning because you have already made it for them.
Finally, be an advocate for organ donation. Hand out fliers and pamphlets about the issue and discuss it with others around you. What an amazing gift to give life to someone else! If that’s not making a difference — I don’t know what is!
Still Want More?
If you would like to volunteer for more than 15 minutes pertaining to health issues, check out Sarah-Bush Lincoln Health Center and the American Red Cross.
Both of these organizations are committed to providing health care and information in order for a person to be as healthy as possible! If you have any more questions about organ donation or other volunteer opportunities, please contact us at 217-581-6048 or volunteer@eiu.edu.
