The truth is, despite continuing advances in medicine and technology, the demand for organs is vastly greater than the number of organ donors.

Organ donation is all about LIFE. When you donate your organs you give someone the most precious gift--a chance to live. Transplants provide hope for thousands of people with organ failure. Your commitment to organ and tissue donation can save lives. The most important part of deciding to be a donor is telling your family. And that doesn't mean talking about death. It is talking about the opportunity to give another person a second chance at life.

In most states, your family will be consulted about your wish to donate at the time of death. Even with a signed donor card, indication of your wishes on your driver's license, or listing with a donor registry, it may be your family/next of kin who gives final consent. Talk to your family about organ donation. Talk to your family about donating LIFE.

For a brochure on organ and tissue donation, and to obtain donor cards, visit www.organdonor.gov.