The many myths surrounding organ donation may prevent individuals from deciding to be an organ donor. Others may have signed the back of their driver’s license without a second thought. To ensure everyone is informed on the realities of organ donation, the Mayo Clinic offers a myth-busting article about organ donation here.

But why consider organ donation in the first place? This is what the Mayo Clinic says:

Being an organ donor can make a big difference, and not just to one person. By donating your organs after you die, you can save or improve as many as 50 lives. And many families who have lost a loved one who became an organ donor say that knowing their loved one helped save other lives helps them cope with their loss.

It’s especially important to consider becoming an organ donor if you belong to an ethnic minority. Minorities including African-Americans, Asians and Pacific Islanders, Native Americans and Hispanics are more likely than whites to have certain chronic conditions that affect the kidney, heart, lung, pancreas and liver. Certain blood types are more prevalent in ethnic minority populations. Because matching blood type is necessary for transplants, the need for minority donor organs is especially high.

Tags: health news, organ donation