Arizona has record-breaking year in organ and tissue donation

PHOENIX – Arizona set a record in 2018 with tissue and organ donation.

Last year, 779 people received transplants from 283 donors, according to the Donor Network of Arizona.

The organization said this is the third consecutive record-breaking year in organ and tissue donation in the state.

More than 294,000 people registered to become an organ donor in the state, breaking the record from 2017. There are more than 3.5 million donors in Arizona alone.

Donation is one of the greatest gifts you can give. Register now at https://t.co/IXICsGYgqa. 🌷 pic.twitter.com/PcVDldliP7

— Donate Life Arizona (@DonateLifeAZ) January 15, 2019

“The generosity of Arizona donors and their families is what has led to an incredible increase in donation,” Sara Pace Jones, vice president of development and referral services at DNA said.

“This increase is far more than numbers on paper. It represents the people who continue to live, work and experience this gift we call life after organ failure filled their lives with doubt.”

According to the organization, there are 114,000 people waiting for an organ transplant in the U.S. and over 2,000 live in Arizona.

Arizonans can sign up as donors when they apply or renew their driver’s license at the Motor Vehicle Division.

Registration is also available online or by calling 1-800-94-DONOR.