iOS Update Encourages Organ Donation

Apple recently partnered with Donate Life America to create an easy and convenient way for individuals to sign up to be an organ, eye, and tissue donor.

Other organizations such as Facebook also partnered with Donate Life America in 2012, according to The New York Times. Facebook users would have to follow links to sign up in their individual states. The process has since been streamlined and a national registry has been created making the process even easier.

This new feature is available through iOS 10, which will be available in the fall, according to a press release from Apple. Registrations are completed through the Health application that comes standard on every iPhone, and new sign-ups will be sent directly to the National Donate Life Registry.

“On average, 1 person dies every hour in the United States waiting for an organ transplant because the demand for lifesaving transplants far exceeds the available supply of organs, and 1 donor can save as many as 8 lives,” said David Fleming, president & CEO of Donate Life America. “By working with Apple to bring the National Donate Life Registry to the Health app on iPhone, we're making it easier for people to find out about organ, eye and tissue donation and quickly register. This is a huge step forward that will ultimately help save lives.”

Organ, eye, and tissue donor status will be displayed in the individual’s Medical ID portion of the Health application, which can be accessed by emergency medical staff through the lock screen.

“Apple's mission has always been to create products that transform people’s lives. With the updated Health app, we’re providing education and awareness about organ donation and making it easier than ever to register. It’s a simple process that takes just a few seconds and could help save up to 8 lives,” Jeff Williams, Apple chief operating officer, said in the press release. "Together with Donate Life America, we’re excited to deliver this new feature to iPhone users in the US with iOS 10.”