Opioid Epidemic Leads to Increase in Organ Donors in the USA

New study finds that overdose deaths are increasing the number of organ donors in the USA. Due to the opioid epidemic, overdose deaths continue to grow rapidly in Wisconsin and across the nation. The death of these victims is saving the lives of others.

Approximately 115,000 people linger on a list for weeks, months, some even for years waiting for an organ. But hope is not all gone, as health officials report that the number of deceased organ donors is on the rise.

Drug Overdose - Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, First Aid Measures, Treatment & Prevention
Drug overdose involves the intake of drug in excessive quantity than the recommended dose. It is due to overuse of over-the-counter medications or illegal drugs.

‘Deceased organ donors number is on the rise due to opioid overdose deaths. The health officials state that no matter what the circumstance is, the gift of life can still come from tragedy.’

Tweet it Now

According to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, record-breaking deceased organ donors topped 10,000 in the year 2017, and in Wisconsin 234 deceased organ donors were recorded in 2017.

But have you wondered where is the rise coming from?

One study states that opioid overdose deaths could be the reason. The study published in the Journal of Annals of Internal Medicine showed that donors of drug overdose death accounted for 1.1 percent of donors in 2000 and 13.4 percent in 2017.

Organ Donation Week in India � Donate Your Organs and Save Lives
Organ donation week in India this year is being observed fromthe 13th August and aims to raise awareness on the value of organ donation in saving a person’s life

HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire's Critical Care Unit has not witnessed an overdose death, but it does emphasize the significance of listing yourself as a donor. The hospital also says that overdose victims or not, there are various screening steps to guarantee the safe viability of the organ.

Health officials say one of the essential things you can do is discuss with family members regarding organ donation so you can honor their wishes.

Senior Police Officer Set to Run a Marathon With Mouth Duct-taped to Spread Awareness on Organ Donation: Q & A
For organ donation awareness, Dr. Jayanth Murali, Director, Directorate of Vigilance and Anti Corruption, TamilNadu South India is running a half-marathon with his mouth duct-taped

Source-Medindia

MOHAN USA and American Society of Transplantation: Pioneering the Cause of Improving Organ Donation Rates Among Minorities
MOHAN USA in association with the American Society of Transplantation (AST), pioneers the cause of improving organ donation rates among minorities in the US.