Organ transplantation surgery offers the possibility of survival to people with otherwise terminal illnesses. At present the transplantation of hearts, kidneys, livers, corneas and many other organs is possible, but healthy human organs are the rarest medical resource. For this reason, many programs exist to encourage all of us to become organ donors and to make it easy for us to do so. Indeed, many families find solace at a time of loss in giving the gift of health to someone else in need. In 1995, despite a record number of transplants, the shortage of donor organs was also greater than ever before because of the rise in the number of people seeking transplants. More than eight people died each day waiting for an organ to be donated. The number of people waiting for an organ transplant continues to increase much more rapidly than the number of organ donors as the clinical results on organ transplantation continue to improve. Today there are more than 80,000 people on the national waiting list for organ transplantation. The total of organ donations at this time is approximately 19,000. Clearly, organ donation can save lives and is becoming more and more necessary. Making the choice to become an organ donor is a generous and lifesaving act. On July 19, 2002, the national patient waiting list for organ transplantation included 80,312 people waiting for these organs: - kidney (52,766 people registered)
- liver (17,543)
- heart (4,134)
- lung (3,782)
- kidney-pancreas (2,518)
- pancreas (1,329)
- pancreas islet cell (303)
- heart-lung (210)
- intestine (192)
For many people, the knowledge that they may be responsible for saving another person's life often makes the thought of their own death or the death of a loved one easier to bear. If you wish to become an organ donor, you can discuss the registration procedure with your doctor. Many states provide a place for you to note your organ donor status on the back of your driver's license, though the state may also require the signature of the next of kin at the time of death. Donor cards may also be obtained from certain medical organizations. Your doctor or a hospital administrator can provide you with further information on who to contact to obtain a donor card or you may call the branch of the United Network for Organ Sharing (www.unos.org) in your area. For information about cornea donation and transplantation, you may contact the Eye Bank Association of
America (www.restoresight.org). Last Updated: 9/30/2002
The Johns Hopkins University 1996-2003. All rights reserved. This information is not intended to provide advice on personal medical matters, nor is it intended to be a substitute for consultation.
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