That is false. Many medical centers in the United States are transplanting hepatitis C-positive organs in to both hep C-positive and hep C-negative recipients. Now that new antiviral treatments are curing more than 90 percent of those with hepatitis C virus (HCV), medical providers are increasingly using organs infected with the virus.

This change in protocols helps to ease the serious shortage of donated organs in the United States. On average, 20 people die every day waiting for an organ. By offering hepatitis C-positive organs to people on the waiting list, imminent death can be avoided; HCV treatment is initiated after transplantation. One organ donor can save as many as eight lives.

Lately there has been an increase in available organs largely due to the nation’s opioid epidemic and subsequent overdose deaths among young, otherwise healthy Americans. This means there are far more HCV-positive organs available for transplant than ever before. February 14 is National Organ Donor Day. Registering to be a potential organ donor is a great way to observe Valentine’s Day.