EVERY 10 MINUTES
another person is added to the waiting list for an organ transplant
MAJOR ORGAN SHORTAGE CRISIS CONTINUES
A New Survey Shows A Disconnect Between The Number Of People Willing To Donate Organs & Those Currently Registered As Donors
Advances in medical sciences, especially surgical techniques and tissue typing have made possible a significant increase in the rates of successful transplantation of organs, according to the World Medical Association. At the same time, the demand for organ and tissue donations vastly exceeds the number available for transplantation.
Some startling statistics include:
- Currently more than 115,000 men, women and children are awaiting organ transplants in the U.S
- More than 6,500 people a year – about 18 a day – die before an organ becomes available
“The 2013 Save a Life Survey,” found that while 60 percent of respondents were familiar with their state’s organ donor registry and 57 percent would be willing to have their organs donated after death, only 43 percent were actually registered as organ donors. Forty-eight percent agreed that they don’t know how to register.
Professional snowboarder and bronze medalist Chris Klug knows firsthand about the need for organ donations. He’s the first-ever organ transplant recipient to earn a bronze medal. Chris was diagnosed with primary sclerosing cholangitis and his four-year wait for a donor came to an end when his rapidly-failing liver prompted doctors to move him up on the transplant list.
Chris and David Fleming, CEO of Donate Life America, a non-profit alliance of national organizations committed to organ donations, can discuss the need for organ donations, the latest survey, myths surrounding the issue and the most recent efforts helping to increase education and awareness around organ donation and transplantation.
The Interfaith Assembly on Homelessness and Housing’s 28th Annual Blessed Night Out