Wednesday, November 08, 2000

WILMINGTON, NC -- Every 16 minutes another name is added to the national waiting list of patients who need a life-saving organ transplant. As the gap between the supply and need for transplantable organs and tissue increases, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services wants to increase the number of college-aged donors.

The University of North Carolina at Wilmington is one of two universities this academic year participating in the national College Donor Awareness Project “It’s What’s Inside That Counts,” an informational campaign about organ and tissue donation aimed at young people. UNCW’s Department of Wellness Services in the Division for Student Affairs is coordinating the university’s effort. In conjunction with the National Donor Sabbath, which started five years ago to allow interfaith communities to unite in the effort to increase awareness about organ and tissue donation, Wellness Services will distribute green ribbon lapel pins for students, faculty and staff.



“By wearing the ribbons not only Nov. 10-12 but throughout the year, individuals express their support of organ and tissue donation or signify that their lives have been affected through organ transplants,” said Deborah Haywood, assistant director for wellness services at UNC Wilmington.

Other awareness events, which are in the planning stage, will be held throughout the academic year, Haywood said.



“Many people indicate their desire to be an organ donor on their driver’s licenses, but they do not realize the importance of telling a family member. In order for the donation to occur, the next of kin must sign consent,” said Haywood. “Our goal is to encourage students to consider becoming organ donors and to let their families know of this decision.”



Haywood said research indicates 50 percent of families, when given the opportunity, refuse to donate a loved one’s organ.



“People are sometimes reluctant to speak with their families about donating because it means talking about death, which can be an uncomfortable subject,” said Haywood. “Research has shown that a majority of families who are aware of their loved one’s decision to donate will respect his or her wishes.”



In addition to UNCW, other agencies participating in the project are the Division of Transplantation in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the American College Health Association, Carolina Donor Services and the University of Rhode Island, which will analyze the effectiveness of the campaign. The University of Minnesota at Winona is the second university participating in the informational awareness campaign.



###



For more information, contact Deborah Haywood at 910/962-4137.