Promoting the Use of Donor Cards
The success of transplanting depends on the availability of organ donors. As mentioned above, there is a wide range of issues that are yet to be resolved, including the improvement of the medical system, training of transplant coordinators, and the reforming of relevant laws. Promoting the use of donor cards, however, is essential to the future success of transplanting.
An organ cannot be obtained from a brain dead donor unless the donor expressed in writing prior to death that he or she intended to donate. Therefore, those who wish to be donors should discuss the matter with their family members, then carefully complete and sign a donor card. Donors should carry their cards at all times and should make sure that their family members know where the card is kept. The donor card also allows persons to express the intent not to donate any organs.
All persons 15 years old and up are encouraged to cooperate in this effort. Donor cards are available at city halls, public health centers, post offices, and driving schools throughout Japan. They are also available by mail from JOTNW .
If organ transplanting is truly to succeed in Japan, each and every resident must evaluate his or her views on health and death, respect one another's intentions, and discuss these issues with family members.
Your intentions can save another person's life.
(Supervision of translation) U.S. NAVAL HOSPITAL OKINAWA, HM1 BRIAN DAVIS, MS KIYOMI TAJIMA