Jill GrandasBy the Numbers
122,000+ The number of people in the United States who are on the waiting list for a life-saving organ transplant.4,000 Are added to the waiting list every month.2,800 People waiting in Tennessee.96 percent The percentage of families who say they would donate a loved one’s organs and tissues if they were certain that was their relative’s final wish.21 People die every day still waiting for an organ.10 Every 10 minutes, another name is added.1 A single organ donor can save the lives of eight people.1 A single tissue donor can save or restore the lives of more than 50 people.0 That’s how much a donor family pays for the process when they decide to donate a loved one’s organs and tissue. All costs are covered by the organ and tissue donor program.
How to Register as an Organ Donor
You can register to become a donor online at www.DonateLifeTN.org or when you apply to renew your driver’s license or I.D. card. You can also give your permission for organ and tissue donation by preparing a living will or advanced directive.For more information and to register as a donor, please go to www.DonateLifeTN.org
At Tennessee Donor Services, we are so thankful for transplant recipients, such as Dr. Willie Mae Hubbard of Chattanooga, who share their personal stories to inspire others.
Tennessee Donor Services is part of a federally mandated network of 58 organ procurement organizations in the United States. We are responsible for recovering organ and tissue donations, and connecting them to the people who need them.
The need is great. Every day across the nation, 22 people die while still waiting for an organ. That’s almost one every hour of the day.