Shaping Tomorrow Today: Advance Directives and Organ Donation

In April, as we observe National Healthcare Decisions Day and National Donate Life Month, we encourage you to consider two powerful choices: creating an advance directive and registering as an organ donor. Discover how these meaningful decisions can shape your legacy, provide peace of mind, and offer new hope to others.

Understanding Advance Directives

Advance directives are documents that communicate your wishes for medical care if you become unable to speak for yourself. They help your loved ones and medical providers make decisions that align with your values and preferences.

There are two primary components of advance directives:

• Care preferences: An advance directive often outlines what kinds of medical treatments you do or do not want if you become ill or injured and cannot communicate. It serves as crucial guidance for your loved ones and medical team.
• Patient advocate designation: This allows you to name a person to make medical decisions on your behalf if you are no longer able to do so yourself.

When making an advance directive, reflect on your values and medical preferences, including your views on life support, feeding tubes, and comfort care measures. When would you want these treatments to be used or stopped? Who do you want to make medical decisions for you if you cannot? Clarity today helps your patient advocate or loved ones make choices that match your wishes.

Creating an advance directive is simple:

• Start by discussing your preferences with your loved ones and medical providers.
• Fill out an advance directive form and have your designated patient advocate sign to accept the role.
• Sign the document in front of witnesses and give copies to your family, doctors, and patient advocate.

Sample advance directive forms and additional resources are available here.

An advance directive gives you and your loved ones peace of mind during challenging times. It ensures your voice is heard and your wishes are respected. Don't wait – start the conversation today.

A Life-Saving Gift: Organ Donation

In addition to creating an advance directive, registering as an organ donor is another powerful choice you can make for the future. Doing so builds a legacy that can save and transform lives.

The ripple effects of organ and tissue donation are far-reaching. As Gift of Life Michigan notes, a single organ donor has the potential to save up to eight lives, while a tissue donor can enhance the quality of life for as many as 75 individuals.

Despite the life-saving potential of organ donation, some people hesitate to register due to common misconceptions. To help clarify, here are a few key facts to consider:

• People of all ages and medical backgrounds can potentially become donors. There is no age limit or requirement for perfect health.
• Medical professionals always prioritize saving your life, regardless of donor status. Organ donation only becomes an option after all life-saving efforts have been exhausted.
• Organ donation does not interfere with funeral services. The organ and tissue recovery process is performed with the highest care and respect, allowing for open-casket funerals, if desired.
• Most religions support organ donation, viewing it as an act of selfless generosity.

It only takes a few moments to register as an organ donor. You can join the Michigan Organ Donor Registry by completing this online form. Discuss your decision with your loved ones to ensure they understand and will honor your wishes.

Becoming an organ donor is a personal choice, one that can profoundly impact the lives of many. By opting to donate, you give a second chance to those awaiting a life-saving transplant and renewed hope to their loved ones.

Your Decisions Matter: Take Action Now

Your choices have the power to shape not only your future but the futures of countless others. This National Healthcare Decisions Day and National Donate Life Month, embrace that power by creating an advance directive and registering as an organ donor. These simple acts can provide comfort, clarity, and hope during life's most difficult moments.

Take the first step toward making your voice heard and your compassion felt. Begin today by exploring our resources on advance directives and Gift of Life Michigan.