increase awareness in organ donation
... 95% of respondents indicated a high likelihood of donation if a previous discussion with the deceased had determined that this was his or her wish. Thus it’s vital that family members discuss about organ donation. Improve minority donation The minority population represent more than X% of the U.S. population and around 20% in the National Organ Waiting List (OPTN 2004), but there are only a very few percentage of ethnic minority organ donors. This is mainly due to different level of education, different cultural and religious thinking and above all mistrust of the organ donation system: i.e. fear of favoring the whites over the minorities in preventing premature death (all about black) and surgical disfigurement (Corrleate 3 minority group, clinical transplantation feb 1999). Improving their knowledge through education about the organ donation and procurement organization, working with health care provider who are recognized in the community (Callender 2000, pediatric transplant), and implementing activities that help build trust are some of the vital steps to be taken to improve the number of minority donors. Educating the population that transplants are most successful when the donor and recipient are genetically close is important. Thus a culturally appropriate health education programs targeting ethnic minority population stressing the fact that donation is considered only after all efforts are made to save the life of the patient and reassure that the donor is treated respectfully can effect positive change in knowledge, attitude, and behavior. Educating school students Children at a very young age develop their own perception about various issues. Instilling good values at an early age is very important. Schools should be encouraged to teach students as early as in middle school about organ donation, involve them in site visit and have interactive sessions with donors and recipients. Families must also be urged to take part in school activities. Studies have shown encouraging evidence that classroom health education program affected the knowledge about organ donation, and that organ donation are responsive to increase in knowledge (Marcia w, knowledge high school survey). More positive support from mass media The mass media plays a vital role in influencing and educating the public. But a close analysis of their part in improving the present condition of organ donation is remote. Urban legends are becoming more common in today's society, and the World Wide Web helps spread rumors and legends at an unprecedented rate. With the touch of a few keys, lies, rumor, conjecture, truth, fabrication, and any mix thereof can be sent to millions of people through the Internet. This has resulted in the making and distribution of a number of false ideas about organ donation. For example, the 1978 film Coma, starring Michael Douglas, told a story of unethical doctors taking organs from the comatose. These b...