April is Donate Life Month, a nationwide event to raise awareness about the importance of organ donation. There are so many people in need of organs or tissue. Nationwide, there are more than 115,000 people awaiting a life-saving transplant. In New Jersey, there are close to 5,000 people. Sadly, each day in the United States, an average of 18 people die waiting for a transplant.
You, and all New Jerseyans, can help. It’s as simple as designating yourself as an organ donor on New Jersey’s Donate Life Registry maintained by the N.J. Motor Vehicle Commission.
Across the United States, more than 44 percent of U.S. drivers are registered organ donors, but New Jersey ranks a disappointing 44th out of 50 states. Only 32 percent of our drivers registered to donate. All major religions support organ and tissue donation, and one donor can save up to eight lives.
Donation is the ultimate gift – a life-saving one. If you are not registered to donate, please consider doing so. It’s easy, and it’s an awesome feeling to be a hero.
