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Facts about Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation
THERE IS A GREAT NEED FOR DONORS
A single donor can help more than 50 persons awaiting an organ or tissue transplant.
In the Washington, D.C. area, about 2,000 patients are waiting for an organ transplant.
More than 100,000 people are on the national waiting list for organ transplants, and 13 new patients are added every 24 hours. An estimated 18 people die each day while waiting for a transplant.
In 1996, there were only 5,000 organ donors in the United States.By 2006 there were 14,755 deceased and living donors who gave 28,930 transplant recipients a second chance at life. There is, however, a growing gap between those who need a transplant and those who choose to donate.
Like any machine, the body is made up of parts that must all work together. These parts are called organs and tissues. Each organ does a special job -- for example, your heart is an organ. Its job is to pump blood throughout your body. (In some cases, an organ can do more than one job.)The organs that can be recovered for transplant include the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, pancreas and small intestine.
Tissues are the living materials that make up our body. For example, the clear "front window" of the eye is called the cornea. This is a tissue that helps the eye focus lightand can save the sight of those who are blind. Examples of other tissues that can be transplanted include bone, skin and tendons.
Most of the time our bodies work long and hard to help us enjoy a full life. But, like any machine, the body can break down and is often able to fix itself. Other time, organs and tissues break down permanently. Transplants can help. When serious problems occur with organs or tissues, a transplant may be needed.
People with certain serious health problems that cause organ failure now have hope due largely to advances in transplantation medicine. Still, as you can see from the statistics above, not enough people are donating to help all those in need.
HOW CAN FAIRFAX CITIZENS CHOOSE TO DONATE?
Anyone who is 16 or older and of sound mind can donate.
To register, a Virginia citizen may say “yes” to donation on a driver’s license, register at www.Save7lives.org or sign an organ donor card. The 2007 Virginia Uniform Anatomical Gift Act protects every citizen’s right to make a personal donation decision. If a donation registration is not recorded, family members will be asked to make the decision. It is a kindness to family and friends to inform them of the decision so that they may assist medical personnel in carrying out your wishes.
Living donors: Living donors can donate a kidney (usually to a family member) and continue living a healthy life with the remaining kidney. Some living organ donations can also include liver and lung lobes, usually donated to family members.
Deceased donors: Donors are usually people who have died in an accident or other tragedy. If donation wishes are known, donation will occur. If a registration was not made, family and friends are asked about the gift of life.