Sept. 25-29 was a special week for the Lifeline of Ohio “Adopt an Agency” program.

As an Ambassador of Lifeline of Ohio, and as a living donor, I had the wonderful opportunity to show our gratitude to the staff of the Ironton Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) as part of Lifeline’s BMV Appreciation Week. During my visit, I thanked the staff for their role in the organ donation process by asking new and unregistered customers the donation question.

While my family’s story has a happy ending the statistics are startling. Right now more than 116,844 Americans are on the national transplant waiting list and of those, 3,100 are right here in Ohio. Every day in the United States, 22 men, women and children die for lack of an available organ. Once every 48 hours, an Ohioan dies waiting.

Although we applaud the 53 percent of Lawrence County citizens who have said ‘yes’ to organ, eye and tissue donation, we need more people to register. Unfortunately, myths and misconceptions prevent many people from registering. The most common fears are that medical professionals will not work hard to save the lives of registered donors or you may be too old or sick to donate. These myths are simply not true.

Over the years, I’ve met many families whose lives have been impacted by organ donation.

I’ve seen the comfort it can give to a family whose loved one lives on through the gift of donation and the incredible appreciation felt by transplant recipients.

So, the next time you visit the BMV and the staff ask you the question, please consider saying yes to registering as an organ donor to help your neighbors in need. After that, discuss your wishes with your family, so they are aware of your decision.

Again, thank you to the management and staff of the Ironton BMV. By asking the question you are saving lives.

For more information or to register as a donor please visit www.lifelineofohio.org or call 1-800-525-5667.

Thank you,

Robert Pleasant, Jr.
Lifeline of Ohio Ambassador – Living Donor
Ironton