Feasibility of Organ Donation Registration at a University Health Center

Abstract

In Maryland, over 95% of all organ donation registration occurs at the Department of Motor Vehicles. This decision-making environment is neither personal nor conducive for health-related questions regarding organ donation. At the University of Maryland, College Park University Health Center (UHC), we explored the feasibility of organ donation registration. Participants were surveyed regarding their organ donor registration status at the University of Maryland, College Park University Health Center between 5/2019-6/2019. Responses were compared using Fisher’s exact and chi-square tests. Among the 235 participants, the median age bracket was 24 or older, 49% were white, and 51% were male. Most were university students (84%). Many were already organ donors; however, 47% were either not registered or unsure if they were currently registered. Compared to those who were already registered, most non-registered participants were Asian (45% vs. 14%, 𝑝<0.001). Of the non-registered participants, 27% registered to be an organ donor at that time and 89% wanted informational material. In this health-related setting, participants were able and willing to register to become organ donors, highlighting the feasibility of and necessity for outreach on college campuses.