April 19, 2002

According to the New England Organ Bank, approximately 16 people die each day awaiting a life-saving organ transplant. They are among the 79,000 people nationwide who are on the national transplant waiting list. Additionally, there are tens of thousands of individuals who are awaiting life-enhancing bone, heart valve, vein, skin and corneal transplants.

The need for organs and tissues for transplant is increasing at a rapid rate and far exceeds the availability of these organs and tissues. To combat this imbalance and increase general awareness for organ and tissue donation, Congress enacted National Organ and Tissue Donor Awareness Week (NOTDAW), which will be held this year from April 21 to 27.

In recognition of NOTDAW, the MGH and the New England Organ Bank will host an information table in the White Lobby April 22 to 26, from 10 am to 2 pm, to provide information and answer questions about organ donation. For more information, contact Rick Fowler, of the New England Organ Bank, at (617) 244-8000.