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 .