Donation Saves Lives – Choosing to Become an Organ Donor

What if a single, simple decision you made could dramatically alter the path of someone else's life for the better?
Choosing to become an organ donor has exactly that impact. One organ donor can save as many as eight lives, and one tissue donor can improve up to 50 lives.

More than 110 people are added to the national waiting list for organ transplants each day – one every 13 minutes. Currently 3,000 North Carolinians are waiting for a lifesaving transplant.

Mission Health works with LifeShare Carolinas to shine a light on the importance of organ donations for both the recipients and the families of donors. Mission participated in 22 organ donations in 2017, up from 10 in 2016. This year also marked the first time Mission had our first donation of seven organs at one time.

"We are working closely with LifeShare and the donor families to ensure that we do everything possible to have these organ donation patients leave a legacy," said Missy Briones, Mission's Director of Mission Experience and Service Excellence. "It means so much to have the skills and team members available to facilitate that many organ donations."

Briones explained that as soon as the decision is made to donate an organ or organs, her team contacts LifeShare to review options. As a caregiver, the focus is on ensuring that anyone who is eligible receives the gift of life.