Why the Need?

Today, there are over to 98,000 Americans registered with the United Network for Organ Sharing on transplant waiting lists.

• Every year, over 6,000 people die while waiting for organ transplants.
• In 1988, 4,080 people donated organs after death. In 2006, that number has nearly doubled to 8,024.
• One individual who donates after death can provide organs, corneas, skin, bone and tissue for 50 or more people in need.
• In 2006, there were 28,931 organ transplants performed in the United States.
• An estimated 1.5 million Americans are treated with transplanted bone and tissue each year. Tissues include tendons and ligaments, skin used to treat burns, heart valves and corneas to restore sight.
• About 46,000 cornea transplants are performed annually, with more than 5,000 people waiting for donated corneas.
• The largest number of children who need organ transplants are waiting for kidney donations.
• There are currently more than 25,000 African Americans waiting for kidney transplants nationwide. Although 12% of the US population is African-Americans, they comprise 35% of the national kidney transplant waiting list. Because of specific medical conditions, including diabetes and high blood pressure, African-Americans suffer a disproportionately high rate of End Stage Renal Disease (kidney failure).
• There is no cost to be an organ and tissue donor. Donation is a gift.