The national waiting list for organ transplants is rising at an alarming rate, with 117,234 individuals currently on the list.

• Approximately 18 times each day a man, woman or child dies while waiting for an organ transplant;
• Once every 48 hours, an Ohioan dies waiting. In the last 10 years more than 2,000 Ohioans have died waiting for a transplant.
• 28,051 transplants were performed in the United States in 2012; and 6,010 were living donations
• In 2012, 297 Ohioans shared the Gift of Life through organ donation at the time of their death. Through their unselfish generosity 1,200 individuals received a second chance at life through transplantation.
• 1,885 Ohioans gave improved quality of life to others through tissue donation.
• In Ohio, 3,422 people – 800 in central Ohio – are waiting for an organ transplant at any time, and hundreds more await tissue transplants;
• During 2012 in Central and Southern Ohio, 88 individuals shared the Gift of Life through organ donation and 329 through tissue donation.
• Each year more than one million Americans receive a donated tissue transplant.
• A single donor potentially can save the lives of eight people and enhance the lives of up to 50 more by donating vital organs (heart, two lungs, two kidneys, liver, pancreas and small bowel) and tissue (corneas, bone, fascia, skin, veins and heart valves).

How Does An Ohioan Register As A Donor?

As of July 1, 2005, Ohioans have a new way to declare their wish to become a donor by registering online in the Ohio Donor Registry through www.lifelineofohio.org. Additionally, individuals may indicate their intentions when renewing their driver’s license, or by completing a Donor Registry Enrollment Form available on line through the Lifeline of Ohio website.

The Ohio Donor Registry is an individual’s first person advanced directive to donate the Gift of Life at the time of their death if possible through organ and tissue donation.

The State of Ohio established the Ohio Donor Registry on July 1, 2002.

People are encouraged to discuss these wishes with their family, so their next of kin are aware of the decision at the time of their death. Fulfilling a loved one’s wish to donate is one of the most helpful steps a grieving family can take to deal with its loss.