Currently, there are more than 100,000 people awaiting an organ transplant according to the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS). This is the first time the 100,000 mark has been exceeded.
 
The kidney is the most commonly needed organ, with more than 76,000 kidney patients waiting for a deceased donor transplant.  The kidney waiting list has increased by 42 percent since January 2004, while the liver list has decreased by 4 percent and the heart list has decreased by 23 percent over the same time period.
 
Many efforts continue to increase organ donation and recover as many usable organs as possible from donors. New legislation is also being examined to clarify incentives for organ donation. AAKP supports the Organ Donation Clarification Act of 2008, which seeks to allow incentives for organ donors.

This article originally appeared in the November 2008 issue of Kidney Transplant Today.