Transplantation

25 Facts About Organ Donation and Transplantation

The success rates of transplant surgery have improved remarkably, but growing shortages exist in the supply of organs and tissues available for transplantation. Many Americans who need transplants cannot get them because of these shortages. The result: some of these people die while waiting for that "Gift of Life."

Each year, the National Kidney Foundation develops special public education programs aimed at increasing public awareness of the need for organ and tissue donation. Learning more about organ and tissue donation will help every American to make an informed decision about this important issue. Here are some facts everyone should know: more info

Share your life. Share your decision.

Organ and tissue donation is, in essence, a gift of life. It is the most precious gift any of us can give. Today's medical technology enables us to prolong and save the lives of many people through transplantation.

Without donation, however, we cannot provide this opportunity to the thousands of people who are currently waiting for a life-saving transplant. Every year, families are offered the opportunity to give the gift of life through donation. We understand the decision to donate is a difficult and personal choice; one which often needs to be made at a time when the family is experiencing a traumatic loss.

We hope you find this information helpful, and we encourage you to discuss your decision about donation with your family and loved ones. For additional information on organ and tissue donation contact the NKF of Indiana, Inc. (e-mail or call (800) 382-9971 or (317) 722-5640) or the Indiana Organ Procurement Organization at I-888-ASK-IOPO (1-888-275-4676).

The Minority Donation Education Alliance (MDEA)

The Minority Donation Education Alliance (MDEA) is a coalition of organizations dedicated to promoting organ and tissue donation awareness within the minority community. The MDEA is comprised of the American Red Cross Tissue Bank, Community Tissue Services, Indiana Lions Eye Bank, Indiana Organ Procurement Organization, Indiana Tissue Services, NKF of Indiana, Inc., and the St. Joseph Tissue Bank.

Twelve percent of all deceased donors are African-Americans, but 27 percent of the people on the transplant waiting list are African-Americans. The MDEA's goal of increasing donation awareness within the minority community will not only lead to more transplants, but will help improve the success rate of those transplants as well. With funding from the Indiana State Department of Health, the MDEA participates in health fairs and a variety of other community events around the state to educate minorities about the urgent need for minority organ, tissue, and eye donors.

For more information about organ donation or to schedule an information session with MDEA call 1-800-356-7757 today!

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