1.Each day in this country, approximately 77 people receive transplants.
2.Another 19 people die each day, waiting for a transplant, because there is such a shortage of donors.
3.Currently, over 100,000 people are on the transplant waiting list, in need of an organ transplant. Each month, another 300 people get added to that list.
4.The majority of people are eligible to be organ donors, regardless of age. Also, if you have a medical condition, it does not automatically disqualify you from donating. Many such people are still able to donate their organs.
5.There is an especially high need for minority organ donors. This is because there are particular diseases (e.g., high blood pressure, diabetes) to which minorities are more prone, creating a need for transplants, due to diseases of the liver, lungs, kidneys, and pancreas.
6.Contrary to what some may think, posthumous organ donation does not interfere with having an open-casket funeral, nor does it cause deformities. Special techniques are used in harvesting the organs to prevent that from happening.
7.By being an organ and tissue donor, you can actually help save or improve the lives of as many as 50 people. Recipients can be mothers, fathers, children, grandparents, etc. and are of all ages.
8.There are many options when it comes to which organs can be donated, including kidneys, heart, lungs, pancreas, intestines, tissue, stem cells, and blood and platelets.
9.If you have concerns about how your religion views organ donation, be sure to make inquiries. While religious views vary, the majority either support organ donation or at least do not directly oppose it.
10. You can register to become an organ donor online, by going to www. yesidaho.org

Many people have a difficult time deciding whether they would like to become an organ donor. One of the easiest ways to help you reach a decision is to ask yourself this question: If you, your partner or your spouse, or child needed a life-saving organ transplant, would you take a donated organ? Learn the facts and make an informed decision.