Archive for September, 2009

It’s true, says Donate Life Hollywood, a character on The Young and the Restless is soon to become an organ donor.  Working to educate and help screen writers “get it right,” our colleagues at Donate Life Hollywood praise the PSA at the end of one of the episodes encouraging people to Donate Life as “well done.”

Misperceptions, sometimes suggested or strengthened by TV dramas, continue to serve as barriers preventing the public from registering as donors.  People who are undecided about registering as a donor are most vulnerable to the influence of what they view.

A 2009 online survey for Donate Life America revealed 51% of people who are undecided about donation incorrectly believe doctors may not try as hard to save their lives, or are unsure they will, if they know their patient wishes to be a donor.

The sources of this misperception likely are varied, but I’m interested in whether you think it reflects a lack of education about the donation and transplantation process or a general distrust of the medical system. Secondly, how can we correct this misperception and effectively convey the message the “doctor’s priority is to save your life?”

Welcome to Donate Life Northwest’s blog!  We’re glad you’re here and hope you will join us regularly to talk about our weekly Tuesday post.

Topics will cover a broad range of donation and transplant news and issues, as well as occasional news about Donate Life Northwest projects and programs. Conversations are intended to be engaging and educational and to reflect our goal of increasing the number of registered donors.  Diverse perspectives and opinions stated thoughtfully and respectfully will offer an opportunity for lively and healthy debate.

We dedicate this blog to honor donors and their families, to celebrate the renewed lives of transplant recipients, and to offer hope and support to those whose lives are on hold waiting for a transplant.

Last but not least, we add the NPR disclaimer: not all opinions expressed on this blog are those of Donate Life Northwest.

Come have fun and interesting conversations with us. See you in a week.