Every 8 minutes, someone is added to the national organ transplant waiting list. If you’ve ever asked yourself how many people are organ donors in the United States, the answer shows we’ve come far and still have a long way to go.

How many people are registered donors?

Currently, 170 million Americans are registered as organ donors—representing approximately 60% of the adult population eligible to donate. These organ donor statistics show significant growth over the past decade, yet the number still falls short of meeting the critical demand for life-saving organs.

More than half of Americans are registered as organ donors, though donor designation rates—the percentage who say ‘yes’ when given the opportunity—vary dramatically by state. Leading states, like Colorado and Wyoming, outperform the national average. However, there’s still a significant gap to close with those who say they support organ, eye, and tissue donation and those who are officially registered as donors.

How many people are on the organ transplant list?

The current organ donor statistics reveal a sobering reality: more than 103,000 people are on the organ transplant waiting list nationwide. These individuals’ lives depend on the generosity of organ donors, with the list continuing to grow daily.

How many people are on the organ transplant list (broken down by organ type):

• 91,395 people need kidney transplants (87% of the waiting list)
• 9,053 people need liver transplants
• 3,751 people need heart transplants
• 922 people need lung transplants
• 821 people need pancreas transplants
• 2,293 need combined kidney/pancreas transplants
• 180 people need intestine transplants
• 40 people need combined heart/lung transplants

In Colorado and Wyoming, there are more than 1,300 people waiting for life-saving organ transplants, adding to the national crisis where 13 people die daily while waiting for organs.

Certain populations face disproportionate need when it comes to organ transplants. In fact, 60% of those on the national waiting list come from multicultural communities, with the highest representation among Hispanic, African American, and Asian/Pacific Islander populations. This stems partly from higher rates of diabetes and high blood pressure in these communities—conditions that can lead to organ failure. 

African Americans, Hispanics, and Pacific Islanders are also three times more likely than Caucasians to develop end-stage renal disease, often requiring kidney transplants. While organs aren’t matched by race or ethnicity, genetic compatibility frequently occurs more within similar ethnic groups. That’s why increasing donor registration in all communities, especially those most affected, is so critical to improving access and equity in transplantation. 

How many lives can an organ donor save?

A single organ donor can save up to 8 lives through organ donation and heal up to 75 lives through tissue donation. This means that every registered organ donor has the potential to transform dozens of lives.

These organ donor statistics translate into real impact:

• One heart can save a life and give someone more time with family
• Two kidneys can free two people from dialysis and restore their quality of life
• One liver can be split to save two lives
• Corneas can restore sight
• Heart valves can repair congenital defects

The reality behind the numbers

Despite having 170 million registered donors, organ donor statistics reveal why more donors are desperately needed. Only about 3 in 1,000 people die in circumstances that allow for organ donation. These situations typically involve brain death while on life support in a hospital setting.

This means that even with millions of registered donors, the actual number of viable organ donors each year is limited. The gap between how many people are organ donors and how many can actually donate underscores the reason continued registration efforts are essential.

Regional impact: Colorado and Wyoming leading the way

Colorado and Wyoming’s high donor registration rates translate into lives saved. In 2024, the region facilitated 947 life-saving organ transplants from 311 donors, marking a 1.3% increase over the previous year.

The region also experienced a 9.2% increase in tissue recovered for transplantation in 2024. Donor Alliance honored the lives of 1,860 tissue donors and their families by recovering lifesaving and healing tissues, which provided more than 140,000 tissue grafts to those in need. Each year, tissue transplants provide hope to tens of thousands of people suffering from trauma, disease, or blindness.

The gap between support and action

Surveys show 90% of adults support organ donation, yet only 60% are registered as donors. That gap means millions of people who believe in donation haven’t yet taken the simple step that could one day save a life.

This gap exists for a variety of reasons. Some people have never been asked, others have lingering concerns, and many simply haven’t taken the time to register. But closing that gap could save thousands of lives every year.

How to become a donor yourself

Joining the 170 million Americans who are registered organ donors takes just minutes but can impact generations. The registration process is simple: 

• Online Registration: Visit your state’s official donor registry website. Colorado residents can register at DonateLifeColorado.org, and Wyoming residents at DonateLifeWyoming.org.
• DMV Registration: Register when getting or renewing your driver’s license or state ID. 

Who can be a donor?

Anyone can register regardless of age, race, medical history, or religion. Even individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes or hepatitis may still be eligible to donate certain organs or tissues. Medical professionals evaluate eligibility at the time of death, so don’t self-disqualify.

The oldest organ donor on record was 95 years old when he donated his liver. Medical advances continue expanding the criteria for donation, meaning more people than ever can potentially save lives.

Sharing your decision

After registering, the most important step is telling your family about your decision. While your registration legally authorizes donation, family support makes the process smoother during a difficult period. Discussing your wishes ensures your family knows your decision. Organ donor statistics show that family consent rates increase significantly when the deceased person’s wishes were clearly communicated beforehand.

You can share your decision further by joining Donor Alliance’s “Advocates for Life” volunteer program, which is made up of donor family members, transplant recipients, transplant candidates and others who are passionate about supporting organ and tissue donation and transplantation. As an advocate, you can help educate others about the importance of donation, share stories that inspire registration, and work to dispel common myths and misconceptions. This volunteer opportunity allows you to make an impact beyond your own registration by encouraging others to become donors and potentially save even more lives through increased awareness and registration rates.

Addressing common concerns

Many people hesitate to register as organ donors due to misconceptions about the donation process. 

Some worry that medical staff won’t work as hard to save their life if they’re registered donors—this is categorically false. Medical teams focused on saving lives operate completely separately from transplant teams. Others have religious concerns, but most major religions support organ donation as an act of charity and love.

Cost is never a factor for donor families. All expenses related to donation are covered by the recipient’s insurance or the organ procurement organization. Donor families bear no financial burden for their generous decision.

Taking action today

The question of how many people are organ donors isn’t just about current statistics—it’s about future possibilities. By registering today and discussing your decision with family members, you join a community whose generous donations extend far beyond their own lifetime.

Whether you’re inspired by the 8 lives you could save through organ donation or the 75 lives you could heal through tissue donation, your registration matters.

Register today, tell your family, and become part of the solution to ensure the number of registered donors continues growing to meet the critical need.