In the United States, more than 77,000 patients are on a waiting list for organ transplants; 2,100 of them are from New Jersey. Chronic renal disease accounts for the majority of those on the waiting list. To stay alive, patients must either rely on dialysis or undergo transplantation. In the year 2000, of the 514 transplants performed in New Jersey, 388 were kidney transplants.
There are two ways kidney transplantation can occur: through the donation of an organ following death or through living donation. Saint Barnabas and Newark Beth Israel Medical Centers encourage living donation through their Living Donation Program. However, they also support The Sharing Network, New Jersey Organ and Tissue Donation Services that works actively to educate people about the importance of organ donation after death.
According to a recent Gallup survey, a majority of Americans are now more receptive to organ donation, yet only 20 percent of the annual 20,000 to 25,000 brain deaths in this country result in donations. Many people who would like to donate organs fail to tell their families. Others feel it is against their religion, unaware that most religions support organ donation. Another fear is that once admitted to a hospital, if staff is aware a donor card has been signed, treatment will not be aggressive. In reality, the transplant/recovery team is called in only after death has occurred. One individual who donates after death can provide organs, bone and tissue for 80 or more people in need.
The Sharing Network– a non-profit, federally certified and state-approved procurement organization – urges everyone to take the following steps:
- Inform family members of the decision to be an organ and/or tissue donor
- Sign and carry an organ donor card
- Join the NJ Organ and Tissue Donor Registry
If you have checked the organ donor box on your driver’s license, that is a valid document; however, it is more important to tell family members. If your intentions are understood in advance, family members will be better able to carry out your wishes. If you are not carrying a driver’s license or donor card at the time of death, it is extremely important that your family is aware of your wishes and supports your commitment.
For more information or to register as an organ donor, call 1-800-SHARE-NJ or visit www.sharenj.org.
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