Wednesday, September 27, 2000
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Wednesday, September 27, 2000 |
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Georgia's organ waiting list above 1,000 for first time Georgia marked another milestone this summer, according to the July 29 statistics released by the United Network of Organ Sharing. The waiting list for individuals in need of organ transplants at Georgia's transplant centers has jumped to 1,005, the highest number recorded since Georgia's first kidney transplant was performed in 1966. The good news is that more people are being referred for lifesaving and life-enhancing kidney, pancreas, liver, lung and heart transplants. The tragic news is that those waiting for transplant will wait longer and some people on the list will die while waiting. "The donor shortage in Georgia is critical," said Jennie P. Perryman, R.N., Ph.D., chairperson of the Georgia Coalition on Donation. "The gap could easily be narrowed if each Georgian would make a personal commitment to learn about donation, make an informed decision and then discuss the decision with family members." While organ and tissue donation organizations such as the Georgia Coalition have made great strides in the effort to educate Georgians about donation, the need for donors remains critical as the number of transplants performed continues to grow. Organ transplant is an established, accepted medical therapy for many types of organ failure. Advances in medical technology, surgical techniques, and anti-rejection medications have improved success rates, allowing an increasing number of individuals to become candidates for transplant surgery. "Anyone can be susceptible to end-stage organ disease, regardless of gender, age, race, religion, ethnicity or socioeconomic background," said Perryman. "And most could benefit from transplantation." Each year Georgia loses many potential donors because family members were not made aware of a person's wishes concerning organ donation. "At the time of death your next of kin will be asked if you would want to be a donor," said Perryman. "If you haven't had a discussion with your loved ones about your donor decision then they will not be able to convey those wishes for you. If you want to be a donor, be sure to tell your family and ask that they make your wishes known and sign the consent for donation for you at your death." Georgia is not the only state with a dire donor shortage. Currently, more than 71,000 people are on the national transplant waiting list. A new person is added to the list every 14 minutes. However, more than 6,000 died while waiting for an organ last year, averaging 16 deaths on the list per day. Hundreds of thousands more are awaiting tissue transplants to dramatically improve their quality of life. The Georgia Coalition on Donation is one of 50 nonprofit local coalitions and 50 national organizations dedicated to educating the public about organ and tissue donation, correcting misconceptions and creating a greater willingness to donate. For a free brochure and donor card, please call 1-800-355-SHARE or for more information contact the Georgia Coalition on Donation at www.emory.org/transplant/ga_coalition.
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