Get the facts about organ donation
Donation saves lives every day. Hundreds of Virginians receive life-saving organ transplants each year, giving them a second chance at life. Yet approximately two Virginians die each week while waiting for a life-saving organ transplant.
By registering as an organ, eye, and tissue donor through DonateLifeVirginia.org, one person can donate a heart, two lungs, two kidneys, two parts of a liver, a pancreas, and an intestine. From heart valves that repair congenital heart defects to ligaments that restore mobility and corneas that restore sight, tissue and eye donation offer hope and healing for many. Together, organ, eye, and tissue donation can save and enhance the lives of more than 75 people.
Why register to be a donor
When a person’s organs have been damaged or destroyed by disease, accident or a pre-existing condition, a transplant is often their only option for survival. And while scientific advances have made it possible for those afflicted with life-threatening conditions to live longer through transplantation, it means these lifesaving organs are in high demand. Unfortunately, the discrepancies in supply and demand result in long wait times and tragic consequences.
Every day, approximately 13 people die waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant.
The national waiting list is more than 100,000 people and continues to grow by six every hour.
Approximately 3,000 of patients in need of these organs are Virginians.
One organ donor can save the lives of up to eight people.
One tissue donor can enhance the lives of more than 75 people.
The organ, eye and tissue donation process can save or greatly enhance lives. Recipients go on to live normal, healthy, and productive lives.
Transplant survival rates keep increasing as medical therapies get better.
Donor families who are grieving find comfort in helping others.