Did you know that many more people are eligible tissue donors than organ donors?

According to the National Coalition on Donation, nearly 900,000 tissue transplants are performed in the United States each year. It is estimated that one in 20 Americans will need some type of tissue transplant. As many as 80 recipients can benefit from one single tissue donor. Tissue grafts are becoming widely used by doctors in the fields of orthopedic surgery, cardiovascular surgery, plastic surgery, dentistry and podiatry. Human tissue is used in repairing severe fractures and degenerative conditions to help increase the chances of survival for burn victims.

Make a life decision

In June 2005, the Legislature made it easier for Texans to make their wishes known by passing House Bill 120, the DEAR, law, which created a statewide organ donor registry and a public awareness program.

You can go to the Donate Life Texas website, which you can access by clicking on the banner below, and indicate your wish to be a donor and make sure to designate your donation intentions, such as specification of tissue and if donation can be used for transplantation, research, and/or education.

What is just as important as making the decision to donate?

UTHSC Allograft Resources encourages you to tell your family of your decision to donate.

Why?

A signed donor card or driver's license is considered a legal document, but it is common practice of UTHSC Allograft Resources for the legal next of kin to give consent before tissue is recovered. Just remember that talking about donation does not mean talking about death. It is talking about the opportunity to help others and to make sure that your family understands and support your wishes.