HHS - Organ donors increase seven percent

     Health and Human Services' Secretary, Tommy G. Thompson, recently announced that the number of organ donors have increased 7% across the United States.  The increase was primarily seen in a substantial rise in Hispanic and African-American donors and in "living donation," according to Thompson. The announcement was made to mark the one year anniversary of  HHS' Gift of Life Donation Initiative.

     "More people are giving the gift of life, helping thousands of Americans live longer and healthier," said Thompson.  "But we need to do more to help those waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant.  Now is the time to make a commitment to become an organ donor and to let your family and loved ones know so they can honor your wishes."

     In 2001, 12,522 people donated organs to others across the country, up from 11,711 in 2000.  Hispanic donors increased by nearly 14% (1,492 donors in 2001) and African-American had an increase of 13%, 1,620 donors.  According to HHS, much of the increase in donors is from a "living donation," which occurs when a living person donates a kidney or a portion of their liver or lung to another.  There were 6,445 such donors in 2001, up 12.5% from 5,726 in 2000.

     Secretary Thompson started the Gift of Life Donation Initiative in April of 2001 in order to increase awareness among Americans about the urgent need for organ, tissue, marrow and blood donation. The need is great. More than 79,000 men, women and children are waiting for organ transplants today.