St. Joseph's raises flag on behalf of organ/ tissue donors and their recipients

A Donate Life flag was raised at St. Joseph's Area Health Services this week in honor of organ and tissue donors and their families.

The display is part of a national initiative, Flags Across America, to honor and celebrate the hundreds of thousands of donors and recipients whose lives have been affected by organ, eye and tissue donation. The Donate Life campaign is also an initiative to encourage the public to register to become organ and tissue donors.

St. Joseph's partners with LifeSource as a means to support families confronting end-of-life issues and to offer the opportunity of organ and tissue donation. The hospital's involvement with the program is an extension of St. Joseph's life-saving mission and dedication to the community.

"Our commitment to this cause strengthens the health of our community and brings hope to the more than 2,500 Minnesotans who are waiting for a life-saving transplant," says Deb Haagenson, St. Joseph's Vice President of Patient Care. "We are proud to be a part of this initiative and encourage our staff along with community members to consider becoming registered donors. In doing so, they may one day give the precious gift of life."

Registration is easy

Registering to become an organ, eye and tissue donor online is easy, confidential and will ensure your wish to save lives will be honored. Anyone can visit www.DonateLifeMN.org. The site can also answer many questions that you may have about becoming a donor. By clicking on "Register Now" and following the instructions, your decision to become a donor will be documented.

You can also register by checking the box on your driver's license application, renewal, or ID card holder form at Hubbard County's Driver's License Bureau.

Your decision to be an organ and tissue donor provides hope to the men, women and children waiting for a transplant. Registering to be an organ and tissue donor will ensure that your decision is honored and that your loved ones won't have to decide for you.

Donors give gift of life

In 2009, 175 people generously gave the gift of life through organ donation in the LifeSource region, providing 579 organs for transplant. Additionally, 544 people gave the gift of tissue donation impacting more than 25,000 lives.

LifeSource maintains that donors are regarded as a hero by their recipient and can be a hero for up to 60 people through organ and tissue donation.

Organs that can be donated include heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, pancreas and intestine. Tissues that can be donated are corneas, skin, bone, heart valves, veins and connective tissue.

It's a good idea for individuals who register to also share their wishes with their family.

To date, more than 2.2 million Minnesotans have already registered to be organ and tissue donors, accounting for 52 percent of drivers and ID card holders. This initiative, at the local, state, and national levels, works to increase registration and participation.

St. Joseph's website at www.sjahs.org also contains a link to the Minnesota Donate Life site. Simply click on the Donate Life logo and you will be directed to their home page.

LifeSource is the non-profit organization dedicated to saving lives through organ and tissue donation in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and parts of western Wisconsin. Visit www.OrganDonation.org for more information about LifeSource.