- Nationally over 85,000 people are waiting for a vascular organ transplant. A new person is added to the list every 18 minutes. For an   average of nine people per day, the wait is too long and they die before a suitable organ is available. (Transplant News, (6)7. April, 1996, The Gallup Organization, February, 1993)

- In Alabama approximately 2,350 people are waiting for an organ transplant.

- Only 1% of all the people who die each year in the USA can be considered as possible organ donors due to the circumstances of their    fatal injuries.  Of this group numbering 10,000 - 15,000 people who are medically suitable for organ donation, only 1/3 actually donate. (Transplant News, March 29, 1996.)

- In spite of our best efforts to increase the supply of critically needed organs, the number of donors from 1990 to 1994 in the United States remained constant at approximately 5,000 each year. (Transplant News, (5)2. January, 1995.)

- Data from a 1993 Gallup poll revealed that 8 out of 10 surveyed Americans supported organ donation.  If the matter had not been discussed prior to a family member's death less than half of these people would consent to donation. (CO Researcher, Congressional Quarterly Inc. August 11, 1995, 5(30) 705-728)

- One year graft survival and patient survival rates are improving each year with better drug therapy to prevent rejection of the organ transplant. Transplantation is a medically acceptable treatment for end stage organ failure.

- Families must talk about organ and tissue donation - just signing the back of your driver's license isn't enough. The next of kin must sign a consent form authorizing organ/tissue donation at the time of a relative's death.

- Tissues other than just the eyes can be donated at the time of death. For example, bone tissue taken from the legs can save a limb from amputation after an accident or as the result of a disease such as cancer.

- Transplantation of the heart, heart-lung, lung, liver, kidney, and pancreas is the acceptable mode of treatment for organ failure, but the list of those awaiting a transplant gets larger and 20% of those patients will die waiting.

- Organ and tissue donation is a positive experience for the donor families. It helps families to know that out of their tragedy comes a Life saving operation for their fellow man.

- Leaders of every major religion either support organ donation or encourage members to decide favorably for organ/tissue donation.

- Organ and tissue donation does not disfigure the human body or prevent the family from proceeding with desired funeral arrangements, including an open casket.

- There are no costs to the donor family for donation to occur. The family remains responsible for costs associated with funeral, burial, etc.

- There in no conflict between saving a life and using organs for transplantation.  Organ donation occurs only after all efforts to save a life have been exhausted and death is legally certified.  The doctors who certify death are not members of the transplant and organ procurement teams.