The latest statistics from NHS Blood and Transplant show that since April this year, more than 1,100 people have signed up to the UK's organ donation register. Just 14 of these people were under the age of 18. There are around 10,000 people in the UK currently waiting for an organ transplant. Of this number, three will die every day because there simply aren't enough organs available. How do young people feel about organ donation?
Discuss what it means to become an organ donor. Why does the organ donation register exist? People become organ donors because they want their organs to benefit others after their death. One person's donated organs can save several lives. Are any young people organ donors already? Why did they decide to become a donor? Do young people know which organs can be donated? Organ donations are matched by blood group and tissue type, and those in short supply include kidneys, hearts, lungs, livers and eyes. Talk about how people from the same ethnic groups are more likely to be a better donor match. Discuss the importance of people from all ethnic groups becoming donors.
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