Every day, tens of thousands of people in the United States are waiting for an organ transplant. Thousands die waiting because less than half of the families of potential donors consent to donate (1). As of March 10, 2009, over 104,000 people in the US were listed on the transplant waiting list. (2)

In most states, the family will be consulted about organ donation. In many states, family members are often asked to give final consent even for an individual who has a signed donor card, indicated on his driver's license, or listed with a donor registry. You can learn the law in your state by visiting http://www.unos.org Please talk to your family about organ donations.

For more information, visit www.organdonor.gov or www.donatelife.net.

Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood.(3) Consider donating at your local blood bank; it’s an easy life-saving measure! Call your local American Red Cross, or visit www.givelife.org, to find a blood drive near you.