GET THE FACTS: Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation Developed by Donate Life NJ to support the mandate of the New Jersey Hero Act (S755/A2083)

Why should I learn about donation? There are over 103,000 people in the US waiting for a life-saving organ transplant. There are not enough donated organs available for everyone on the list, many people die while waiting.

You will have to make a decision about whether you want to register as a donor when you apply for or renew your license once you turn 18.

You can become a hero and save the lives of others by registering as a donor.

2,437,000 In , ,000+ people died in the US * people became deceased donors (This is less than 1% of the total deaths for that year)** people were waiting for a lifesaving transplant ** *National Vital Statistics Reports, Vol. 57, No 11, February 17, 2009,,** 21,746 organs were transplanted from deceased donors**

The Number of People Waiting for a Transplant Far Outweighs the Number of Organ Donors

Organs That Can Be Donated

LIVER LUNGS PANCREAS HEARTKIDNEYS INTESTINES

One Organ Donor Can Save Up to Eight Lives

Most Commonly Donated Tissue

TENDONS CORNEAS SKIN BONESHEART VALVES VEINS

One Tissue Donor Can Enhance Up to Fifty Lives

Who Can Be A Donor? Anyone can register to be an organ and tissue donor.

Most donors are people who have experienced a severe, life-ending trauma to the brain and are declared brain dead. This means that brain function has irreversibly and permanently ceased. In some cases, it is possible for a person to become a donor after cardiac death.

Common Myths and Misconceptions

“Doctors won’t save my life if they know I’m an organ and tissue donor. ”

The team of doctors and nurses involved in treating you is not involved with the donation or transplant process.

. "Rich and famous people get moved to the top of the waiting list, while 'regular' people have to wait a long time for a transplant."

Social and financial data are NEVER considered. Organs are computer matched according to compatibility of donor and recipient, wait time, and medical need.

“I heard about this guy who went to a party, and woke up the next morning in a bathtub full of ice. One of his kidneys was stolen for sale on the black market!”

It is illegal in the US to buy and sell organs. In the US, there has never been a case of someone waking up in a tub of ice missing a kidney. This is an urban legend.

“If I have a history of medical illness, my organs or tissue are unfit for donation.”

Due to medical advances more people than ever are able to become donors. At the time of death, the appropriate medical professionals determine whether or not you can be a donor.

“My religion does not support donation.”

All major organized religions approve of organ and tissue donation and some consider it an act of charity.

“If I have the words ‘organ donor’ on my license, it means that I am giving consent to become a living donor as well as a deceased donor.”

Registering as an organ donor on your license has nothing to do with living donation. In New Jersey, having the words “Organ Donor” on your license means that you consent to donating your organs and tissue once you have died.

When you renew or apply for your license at a Motor Vehicle Agency say “yes” to becoming an organ and tissue donor. Register as an organ and tissue donor on-line at OR How to become a HERO

What if I’m under the age of 18? You still have the power to donate! Tell your family your decision so that they know of your choice to become a donor.

I‘m A Hero... Are You? Help save lives, say “yes” to becoming an organ and tissue donor.