Organ Donation -- Do It Right!

Health care patient myth #27:  I can donate organs by checking the box when I apply for a Driver License at the DMV.

This myth is widespread, and I want to thank a friend of mine who is a Registered Nurse in Virginia, for bringing it to my attention. 

Technically, this is correct, and everything SHOULD be fine when you check the box on your license application.  HOWEVER, you should take 15 minutes and look at the following website to see if all the information is correct for YOU and your specific situation.  And read the Q & A section.  I did, and I was very surprised to see that 1) this agency exists, and 2) that organ donation in Virginia is handled in this way.  Here is the website link, go ahead and check on your status, I will wait.  https://www.donatelifevirginia.org/get-the-facts/

Did you update the registry?  From their website, here is a breakdown of why you should.  (All highlighting is mine). 

At any time, you may visit the Donor Registry at DonateLifeVirginia.org, click on “Update My Info,” and log in with your Driver’s License or State ID number and birth date. You will then be able to add a password, change some personal information, specify donation limitations or remove your name from the Virginia Donor Registry. It is, however, always important to share with your family and friends your decision about organ donation. If anything does happen to you, your family members will be told about your decision and will be asked to help answer questions about your medical history.  The DMV is the main point of contact with the Donor Registry for most Virginia citizens, and there is only enough time for a visitor to the DMV to say yes to donation. There is not enough time to make any additional decisions. All specific limitations must be completed by going to the Donor Registry at DonateLifeVirginia.org, where you click on “Update My Info,” enter your log-in information and make the changes you wish.

Who knew?   As an attorney, I can definitely help you write a section in your will specifying organ donation, or donation of your body to science, or other disposition requests for you earthly remains.  Only YOU can actually make sure that those requests become reality by checking the appropriate boxes on the DMV form *and* going to the registry to double check your wishes are executed properly.  AND THEN, you (or I) can notify your family members of what your wishes are.  Evidently, there are times when family members of deceased persons try to override the wishes of the organ donor, so it would be best to be extremely specific in this area.  Contact us today to ensure your/your loved one's wishes in this area are carried out properly.

"I Give You My Heart" -- Hillsong

This is my desire
To honor You
Lord, with all my heart
I worship You
All I have within me
I give You praise
All that I adore
Is in You
Lord, I give You my heart
I give You my soul
I live for you alone
And every breath that I take
Every moment I'm awake
Lord, have Your ways in me
This is my desire
To honor You
Lord, with all my heart
I worship You
All I have within me
I give You praise
All that I adore
Is in You
Lord, I give You my heart
I give You my soul
I live for you alone
Every breath that I take
Every moment I'm awake
Lord, have Your ways in me
And I will live
And I will live for You
And I will live
And I will live for You
Oh and I will live
And I will live
And I will live for You
Lord, I give You my heart
I give You my soul, I live for You alone
Every breath that I take, every moment I'm awake
Lord, have Your way in me
Have Your way
Have Your way, have Your way
Songwriters: Reuben Morgan
I Give You My Heart lyrics © Capitol Christian Music Group