It’s a record high for lifesaving organ donations across New Jersey in 2024, a 14% increase in organ donors and a 4% rise in organs transplanted compared to 2023.
The number of deceased organ donors (297) and organs transplanted (743) in a single year reached all-time highs in 2024, said Carolyn M. Welsh, President and CEO of NJ Sharing Network, the federally designated nonprofit organization focused on saving and enhancing lives through the recovery of donated organs and tissue in the Garden State
The numbers reflect a 14% increase in organ donors and a 4% rise in organs transplanted compared to 2023. This is the sixth consecutive year NJ Sharing Network has reported new organ donation records, underscoring a clear trend of more people saying ‘YES’ in support for organ and tissue donation in the Garden State.
“Every organ and tissue donation represents a story of generosity and hope,” said Welsh. “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.
“Their legacies live on through the lives they have touched and the gifts they have given. 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,” Walsh added.
Transplanted by the Numbers
In 2024, the 743 organs transplanted included 388 kidneys, 193 livers, 75 hearts, 66 lungs, 18 pancreata, and 3 intestines. The 388 kidneys transplanted marked an all-time high for NJ Sharing Network. Cooper University Hospital in Camden had 29 organ donors and 89 organs recovered for transplant, the most of any hospital in New Jersey.
Additionally, 663 tissue donors improved the quality of life for individuals in need, a 20% increase from 2023. Tissue donations include corneas, heart valves, skin grafts, bone grafts, saphenous veins, and tendons. One deceased organ and tissue donor can save eight lives and enhance the lives of over 75 people.
About NJ Sharing Network
Headquartered in New Providence, NJ Sharing Network partners with 54 local hospitals to bring hope to nearly 4,000 New Jersey residents awaiting a lifesaving organ transplant, while also contributing to the national effort to support over 100,000 individuals on the U.S. transplant waiting list.
With over three million New Jerseyans registered as organ and tissue donors, NJ Sharing Network is consistently ranked among the top-performing organ procurement organizations (OPOs) in the nation. Recently honored as NJBIZ’s 2024 Nonprofit Business of the Year and recognized as one of New Jersey’s “Best Places to Work” for seven consecutive years, NJ Sharing Network continues to foster an environment of innovation, dedication, and mission-driven collaboration.
To learn more, get involved, or join the National Donate Life Registry as an organ and tissue donor, visit www.NJSharingNetwork.org.