Why consider donation

Nationally, more than 114,000 people are waiting for a life-saving organ transplant. Sadly, 20 people die each day waiting.

The impact of one organ and tissue donor is extraordinary.

One donor can save up to eight lives through the gifts of lungs, liver, heart, kidneys, pancreas, and intestines. Donors impact the lives of 50 or more people through the gift of tissue. For example, heart valves can be transplanted into children born with congenital heart defects. Skin tissue can be used to heal burn victims and for those who suffer from a disfiguring injury or disease. Corneal donation can restore sight to those whose vision has been compromised.

You can make a difference.

Surveys indicate 95 percent of Americans express their support of organ and tissue donation. Over 60 percent of New Mexicans have registered to become donors – but more people are needed. Imagine the number of lives that can be changed!

Anyone can be a donor. There are no age limits. There are no physical or medical requirements. There is no waiting period or test.

All you need is the will to save a life.

• Register to be an organ and tissue donor TODAY
• Share your decision to donate with your loved ones

Organ and tissue donation are one of the greatest gifts you can ever give.

Facts about organ donation

Despite continuing efforts at public education­­–misconceptions & inaccuracies about donation persist. Learn these facts to better understand organ, eye, and tissue donation:

Fact: A national system with strict standards (United Network for Organ Sharing) is in place to ensure ethical and fair distribution of organs. Organs are matched by blood and tissue typing, organ size, medical urgency, waiting time, and geographic location.

Fact: People of all ages and medical histories should consider themselves potential donors. Your medical condition at the time of death will determine what organs and tissues can be donated.

Fact: Organs and tissue that can be donated include: heart, kidneys, lungs, pancreas, liver, intestines, corneas, skin, tendons, bone, nerve, and heart valves.

Fact: Organ donation is consistent with the beliefs of most major religions.

Fact: An open-casket funeral is possible for organ and tissue donors.

Fact: There are no hospital-associated costs to the donor’s family or estate for organ and tissue donation.

Fact: If you are sick or injured, the hospital’s number one priority is to save your life. Organ and tissue donation can only be considered after death is declared by the physician.

Fact: Information about an organ donor is only released to the recipient if the donor’s family requests or agrees to it. Otherwise, a patient’s privacy is maintained for both donor families and recipients.

Fact: Donors are needed for all races and ethnic groups. Transplant success rates increase when organs are matched between members of the same ethnic background.