Celebrated in April each year, National Donate Life Month (NDLM) features an entire month of local, regional and national activities to help encourage Americans to register as organ, eye and tissue donors and to celebrate those that have saved lives through the gift of donation.
Here are some important facts about donation from the 2021 Donation and Transplantation Statistics from the Donate Life America Donor Designation Report and the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN):
- More than 39,000 transplants brought renewed life to patients, families, and communities.
- 7,000 people die each year because the organs they need are not donated in time.
- 85% of patients on the waiting list are waiting for a kidney. The average waiting time is 3 to 5 years.
- More than 165 million people are registered organ, eye and tissue donors.
95% of Americans support donation, but only 60% are registered — help bridge the gap! By registering to be an organ, eye and tissue donor in the National Donate Life Registry, you are helping to save lives and give hope to the more than 100,000 people in the United States currently waiting for lifesaving organ transplants. Any adult age 18 or older can register – regardless of age or medical history.