Forwarding Organ Donation Viral Video to Nine Friends Could Save 80 Lives

I'm A Donor, He's A Donor, She's A Donor... Are You A Donor?

NEW ORLEANS, June 16, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- New Orleans-based Ochsner Health System and the Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency (LOPA) have unveiled a viral video aimed at increasing the number of organ donors in the United States. In a nod to the long-running 1970s Dr Pepper commercial "I'm a Pepper", the video is titled "I'm a Donor" and features costumed organs and real-life transplant recipients following a Pied Piper-like Donor as he travels through Audubon Park, the French Market and historic Jackson Square.

More than 110,000 people are currently waiting for an organ transplant in the U.S.

Because ONE organ donor can save the lives of up to NINE people, Ochsner asks the public to join the effort by checking out its fun music video on YouTube at OchsnerHealth and registering to become an organ donor at Donate Life. Then forward the link on to NINE friends and encourage them to become donors too!

On average, 144 people are added to the nation's organ transplant waiting list each day

"Organ donors are true heroes who have saved and enhanced lives through organ, eye and tissue donation," says Dr. Ana Hands, Director of International Health and Transplant Services, Ochsner Health System. "Organ donation shows no boundaries. Ochsner has cared for transplant patients from Louisiana to Saudi Arabia and from ages 10 to 70. It only takes a few minutes to register and the impact is tremendous."

Nearly 20 people each day die unnecessarily because there are too few organ donors

"Every day, our goal is to increase the awareness of organ donation and sometimes it takes an unconventional approach to get the public's attention," says Kirsten Heintz, Director of Development, Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency. "Ochsner and LOPA hope the "I'm a Donor" video will help us reach and educate a broader audience and encourage new donor registration."

Approximately 80 organ transplants take place every day in the U.S.

"For some, a better understanding of organ donation is needed to make this choice more comfortable and gratifying," says Hands. Below are some facts that dispel many of the most common myths:

Fact: When you're in the hospital, saving your life is the number one priority of doctors and nurses.

Fact: Even if you're under 18, you can make your wish to become a donor known to a parent or guardian.

Fact: There is no defined age for organ donation; organ function instead of age is evaluated at the time of death.

Fact: Organ and tissue donation will not interfere with an open-casket funeral.

Fact: Most families say that knowing their loved one helped someone else, helps them through their grieving process.

Fact: Organ donation is consistent with the beliefs of most religions.

Remember, please watch the "I'm a Donor" video at OchsnerHealth and register to become an organ donor at Donate Life. Then forward the link on to NINE friends and encourage them to become donors too!

For more facts about organ donation, please visit ochsner.org/savenine.

Ochsner Health System is southeast Louisiana's largest non-profit, academic, multi-specialty, healthcare delivery system with eight hospitals and over 38 health centers in Louisiana. Ochsner has been named the Consumer Choice for Healthcare in New Orleans for 15 consecutive years and is the only Louisiana hospital recognized by U.S. News and World Report as a "Best Hospital" across seven specialty categories. Ochsner employs more than 12,500 employees, over 850 physicians in over 90 medical specialties and subspecialties and conducts over 300 clinical research trials annually. Ochsner Health System is proud to be a tobacco-free environment. For more information, please visit ochsner.org and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.