Nationally, more than 106,000 people are waiting for a life-saving organ transplant. California has the largest list in the country. There are 20,000 Californians on the organ waitlist and 78% of the list are people of color. Sadly, because the need is not met, nearly 22 people die each day waiting. But you can make a difference.

Anyone should consider themselves a donor. There are no age limits, no physical or medical requirements, no waiting periods, and no tests. All you need is the will to save a life and a moment of your time to register.

Surveys indicate 95 percent of individuals in the US express their strong support of organ and tissue donation. Yet only 34 percent of eligible Californians have actually registered to become donors – considerably below the national average of 54 percent. Imagine the number of lives that can be changed if we close that gap in California!

The decision to be an organ and tissue donor is deeply personal. Many people look to their faith and religious communities for guidance about donation.

Nearly all faith groups support organ and tissue donation. In fact, many consider donation a final act of compassion.

Some people question whether the burial rituals of their culture or religion can take place after donation. The answer is yes. All donors are treated with respect and dignity and the body is restored to ensure those rites and traditions continue.

We encourage anyone with questions regarding their religion’s doctrine or position on organ and tissue donation to refer your faith leader or clergy member to connect with us at sds.info@dcids.org.