Almost 115,000 people in the United States today are in need of a organ transplant and about 75,000 of those on the list are actively waiting for a life-saving donation and procedure.
More than 138 million adults in the United States are registered organ donors, but the number of patients being added to the waiting list continues to be more than those signing up.
Patients can wait months, even years, for a transplant. An estimated 8,000 people die each year because the organs aren’t received in time. The most commonly needed organs include the liver, heart, lung, kidney and pancreas.
Texas has 26 transplant centers and 3 non-profit organ procurement organizations, which help manage the process from donation to transplant.
How does the organ donation system work in Texas and where can resources be found in San Antonio? What are some of the concerns, misconceptions and potential benefits of registering as an organ donor?
Guests:
- April Medellin, development manager for Transplants for Children
- Clarissa Thompson, senior communications coordinator for the Texas Organ Sharing Alliance
- Michelle Ramirez, public education coordinator with Donate Life Texas
"The Source" is a live call-in program airing Mondays through Thursdays from 12-1 p.m. During the live show, call 210-614-8980, email thesource@tpr.org or tweet at @TPRSource. Leave a voicemail with your questions and comments in advance by calling 210-615-8982.
