Few fields of medicine have advanced over the past 40 years as much as transplantation medicine, and we continue to see encouraging developments in this dynamic specialty both nationally and right here in our own backyard.
Unlike most medical specialties furthering transplant medicine depends not only on the skill, resources, and scientific work of medical professionals and facilities, but also on the generosity of individuals in the community who selflessly decide to be organ donors.
In 2018, the United Network for Organ Sharing reported a record number of organ donors and transplantations performed in the United States.
Closer to home, the Texas Organ Sharing Alliance – the organ procurement organization serving 56 Texas counties saw a record number of individuals become organ donors in 2018, with 175 community members providing 561 organs for transplantation.
This is great progress. However, the need for organ donation remains high.
The Texas Organ Sharing Alliance says more than 10,000 Texans are awaiting a potentially life-saving organ transplant.
While its true that the decision to donate organs may come at a difficult time for patients and families. Many view the process as a way to ensure their loved one’s legacy lives on.
But Texans don’t have to rely on their family to make that decision if they register through Donate Life Texas – the official state registry for organ, eye, and tissue donors.
Registering is easy and is a true act of kindness, which is very Texan indeed.
