Organ donation in New Jersey has once again reached an all-time high, with 743 organs transplanted during 2024, according to the NJ Sharing Network.
The 2024 number is a 4 percent increase over the 715 organ transplants reported during 2023, the network said. In addition, the network said there were 297 deceased organ donors in 2024, a 14 percent increase over the 2023 totals.
NJ Sharing Network, a federally designated nonprofit dedicated to organ and tissue donation, said this is the sixth straight year that organ donation has risen to a new record.
“This milestone reflects the extraordinary selflessness of New Jersey’s organ and tissue donors and their families, showcasing the generous spirit that defines our state,” said Carolyn M. Welsh, the network’s president and CEO. “Their legacies live on through the lives they have touched and the gifts they have given.”
The network’s statistics show that 388 kidneys were transplanted, along with 193 livers, 75 hearts, 66 lungs, 18 pancreata and three intestines. The number for kidneys is also an all-time high. The hospital with the most deceased organ donors is Cooper University Hospital in Camden with 29 donors and 89 organs recovered.
The networked noted that there were 663 tissue donors in 2024 as well. Those donations included corneas, heart valves, skin grafts, bone grafts and other types of tissue as well.
Nearly 4,000 state residents and more than 100,000 people nationwide are awaiting transplants.
The NJ Sharing Network is in partnership with 54 hospitals to provide lifesaving and life-enhancing organs and tissues to those in need.
“We remain united in our mission, working alongside hospital partners, volunteers and community members to bring comfort to donor families and hope to those awaiting lifesaving transplants,” Welsh said.
How to Help
The NJ Sharing Network suggests several ways in which people can help to promote organ donation and raise awareness:
Register. First and foremost, people can register as organ donors. Registration is “a binding, legal document of gift,” according to the Sharing Network. “You agree upon death to donate all eligible organs and tissue for transplant.”
Make clients aware. Donation is always an option for those who have just lost a family member or are preplanning their funeral arrangements. Having materials available to give to families will help to raise awareness and promote life-giving gifts. Information about community outreach can be found here.
Contribute. Each donation made to the NJ Sharing Network helps to further the organization’s mission of saving and enhancing lives through organ and tissue transplants. Those looking to contribute can do so online here or by phone at 908.516.5566. Contributions can also be mailed to:
NJ Sharing Network
Attn: Foundation
691 Central Avenue
New Providence, NJ 07974
Volunteer. The Sharing Network is always looking for people to help. Training is offered and materials are provided to advocate for organ donation. In addition, regional groups work to educate the public on the need for donations. A list of meeting dates for training and advocacy groups can be found here.
Share stories. Do you have personal knowledge of a life saved because of organ donation? Make sure to tell others. You can simply do so by word of mouth or you can share it on the Sharing Network’s website. Each story helps make the need for organ donation more real to those who hear or read it.