Apple, Donate Life America offer simple organ donor procedure for iPhone users

Monday, July 11, 2016
News
Over 120,000 Americans are currently waiting for a lifesaving transplant — and every 10 minutes, a new individual is added to the national transplant waiting list. On average, one 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 one donor can save as many as eight lives.

A simple sign up process within the Apple Health app makes it possible for iPhone users to learn more about donating and take action with just a few taps. All registrations submitted from iPhone are sent directly to the National Donate Life Registry managed by Donate Life America. The ability to quickly and easily become a nationally-registered donor also enables iPhone users to carry their decision with them wherever they go.

David Fleming, President & CEO of Donate Life America believes that by working with Apple to bring the National Donate Life Registry to the Health app on iPhone, it’s 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.”

Apple's mission has always been to create products that transform people’s lives, says Jeff Williams, Apple’s chief operating officer. “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 for iPhone users in the US with iOS 10.”

The Health app on iPhone provides a complete view of health and fitness data in one place. The app includes Medical ID, which makes critical health information available in case of emergency to first responders and is accessible from the iPhone lock screen. Medical ID can display categories like medical conditions, allergies, medications, blood type and emergency contacts.

The developer preview of iOS 10 is currently available to iOS Developer Program members and a public beta program will be available to iOS users this month. iOS 10 will be available this fall as a free software update. Donate Life America is a not-for-profit alliance of national organizations and state teams across the United States committed to increasing organ, eye and tissue donation. Donate Life America manages and promotes the national brand for donation, Donate Life, and assists Donate Life State Teams and national partners in facilitating high-performing donor registries including the management of the National Donate Life Registry.