Facebook, like other social networking websites, have allowed us to set our status as being single, married, in a relationship, and the all-time favorite: it’s complicated. That will soon change thanks to a new feature that Facebook has announced today that will now allow Facebook users to let their friends and family know that they are organ donors. While this might not seem like a very huge deal or a major upgrade, it has the potential to save lives. In a statement released by Facebook:
“Today, more than 114,000 people in the United States, and millions more around the globe, are waiting for the heart, kidney or liver transplant that will save their lives. Many of those people – an average of 18 people per day – will die waiting, because there simply aren’t enough organ donors to meet the need. Medical experts believe that broader awareness about organ donation could go a long way toward solving this crisis. And we believe that by simply telling people that you’re an organ donor, the power of sharing and connection can play an important role.”
Inspired by a fellow Harvard alum, Dr. Andrew Cameron, the crisis was brought to the attention of Sheryl Sandberg who suggested that Facebook could help with the issue. Facebook users who are organ donors will be able to go to their Facebook Timeline and show that they are an organ donor. They will be able to add a little story telling their friends and families why they chose to be one and can find a link to the official donor registry as well. In the mean time for more information, check out the video below for the details. [Press release]
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