30 Days To Help Save A Life: April Is National Donate Life Month
By Mel Fabrikant | The Paramus Post

While New Jersey Organ and Tissue Sharing Network (NJ Sharing Network) works to educate New Jersey residents year round about the critical need for more organ and tissue donors, the month of April, associated with renewal and spring, is also National Donate Life Month according to John Hopper, Borough Health Officer. Established in 2003, the month features local, regional and national educational activities designed to encourage Americans to become organ and tissue donors. During Donate Life Month, increased outreach efforts in hospitals, schools and Motor Vehicle Agencies have been scheduled and information about the life-saving message of organ and tissue donations will be shared with a variety of audiences.

Nationally, more than 110,000 people wait for a life-saving transplant-close to 5,000 of them are here in New Jersey. For many, tragically, the gift will never be received. Nearly 6,000 people die a year-about 18 per day-awaiting the gift of life.
One of the most important life-saving decisions you can make is to become a registered donor. Say “yes” to donation on your New Jersey Driver’s License or State ID when you first apply for and each time you renew. The words “Organ Donor” will appear on the front of your license and will be included in your computer record with the Motor Vehicle Commission. Not renewing anytime soon? You can register online today by visiting www.sharenj.org

NJ Sharing Network is a non-profit, federally designated organization responsible for the recovery and placement of donated organs and tissue for New Jersey residents in need of life-saving transplants. For information about donation and transplantation in NJ, contact them at 1-800-SHARE-NJ orinfo@sharenj.org .