Each year in New York State, more than 1,000 kidneys, livers, and hearts are transplanted thanks to the hundreds of people who donate their organs. With more than 7,000 New Yorkers still on waiting lists, the need for organ donations far exceeds the supply. In addition, more than 20,000 others, such as burn and cancer patients await tissue donations for lifesaving transplants, according to the New York State Department of Health.

One person who donates organs, such as heart, lungs, kidneys, pancreas, and intestines, can save up to eight lives, while a person who donates tissues, such as corneas and skin, can improve 12 or more lives by restoring eyesight and helping fight infections. You can help improve lives and help solve the organ supply shortage problem by becoming an organ donor.

Increasing the supply of donated organs and tissues is a key priority of the Medical Society of the State of New York. The Medical Society maintains a special website section on organ donation, including selected articles on the topic and links to organ procurement organizations. Go to www.mssny.org and click on "Health Resources" and then "Organ Donation."

Make Your Intentions Known Ahead of Time

National Donate Life Month was first announced in 2003 and grew out of week-long organ and tissue donation efforts in the 1980s. The change to a National Donate Life Month underscores the importance of donation of organs, tissues, marrow, and blood. The month-long observance also gives you time to carefully consider your options and if you do choose to donate organs or tissues, to make your wishes known.

Family consent is required for organ and tissue donation in the event of the death of a loved one. Many families do not consent to donate because they are unaware of intentions to donate. The New York State Organ and Tissue Donor Registry can help ensure that your wishes to become a donor upon your death will be honored by family members and health professionals.

Anyone can become an organ donor, although persons younger than 18 must have a parent’s or guardian’s consent. In New York State, you will be enrolled automatically if you check the donor box on your driver’s license or nondriver identification (ID) card application or renewal form. You can also enroll through the New York State Health Department website, www.health.state.ny.us.

In addition to declaring your wish on your driver’s license and state donor registry, the Division of Transplantation, an agency of the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), also recommends that you: include your donation intentions in your advance directives, will, and living will; tell your family, physician, faith leader, and friends; and complete a donor card and carry it in your wallet. You can print a donor card from the Donate Life website at www.organdonor.gov.

Your Heart Could Beat for Someone Else

The HHS Division of Transplantation notes these lifesaving benefits you can give to others when you decide to donate your organs and tissues.

* Your heart could beat for someone else.

* Your lungs could breathe for someone else.

* Your kidneys could free two people from dialysis.

* Your liver could save the life of a patient awaiting a transplant.

* Your corneas could give sight to two people.

* Your bones could help repair other people’s damaged joints.

* Your skin could help heal burn victims.

Patients who receive your organs will be identified based on many factors, including blood type, severity of illness, and other medical criteria. In the event of your death, the local organ procurement organization or tissue bank will inform your family of your decision. Your family will still have to give consent, but it will be much easier for your family if you have informed them of your wishes to become a donor. Consenting to donation helps some families deal with the loss of a loved one. Knowing that something good will come from their loss can be a great source of comfort.

This information is provided by the Medical Society of the State of New York. For more health-related information and referrals to physicians in your community, contact your local county medical society.