§ Nationally, someone is added to the organ transplant list every 12 minutes, while 250,000 people await tissue and corneal transplants each day. At least 18 will die each day without receiving one.
§ Approximately 35,000 children and adults in our country have life-threatening blood diseases that
§ Between 10,000 and 12,000 people die annually who are considered medically suitable for organ donation, yet only 6,200 donate.
§ Every two seconds someone in America needs blood, more than 39,000 units each day, according to the American Red Cross.
§ Major organized religions support donation, considering it a kind act.
§ With at least 60,000 people waiting nationally for one, kidneys are the organ in greatest demand, followed by liver, heart and lungs.
§ There is no age limit for organ donation. The general age limit for tissue donation is 80 years old. For corneal donation, the general limit is 70 years of age.
Risk Factors for Organ Failure
§ Obesity
§ Diabetes
§ Hypertension/Heart Disease/Stroke
§ Life Style Choices: Smoking, poor diet, lack of physical activity
Healthy Habits to Reduce Risk of Organ Failure
§ Follow dietary guidelines
§ Exercise
§ Visit the doctor and test regularly
§ Healthy choices for children: Healthy eating and physical activity
Minorities at Greater Risk
§ Kidney Disease
§ Diabetes
§ Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
§ Heart Disease/Stroke
Make February 14 the day to join thousands of Americans in making the donation decision!
For more information, visit the following sites:
www.organdonor.gov/get_involved/nationaldonorday.htm
http://www.core.org/
http://www.livingdonorassistance.org/
