Organs include heart, kidneys, pancreas, lungs, liver and intestines. Tissue that can be donated include eye, skin, bone, heart valves and tendons. When organs are donated a national system is in place to distribute organs fairly.
Today there is a critical shortage of organs and tissues needed for transplants.
Nearly 50,000 Americans are waiting for organ transplants while hundreds of thousands more need tissue transplants. Tragically, many die each year because the organs or tissue they need are not available. You can help save lives by becoming an organ and tissue donor. It's important that you make your family a part of your decision. Tell them about organ and tissue donation and why you feel good about deciding to become a donor.