Today, close to 5,000 New Jerseyans wait for organ and tissue donations to save their lives. Each of these individuals depends on normal, everyday people to make the bold, selfless – and yes, heroic decision to provide life to another through organ and tissue donation. Unfortunately, such heroes are small in number, as misinformation and preconceived notions can deter people from making the heroic decision to become a donor.

Accurate and responsible information can make a significant impact in people’s attitudes and understanding - but it must come from a credible source. Health care professionals in New Jersey have a unique opportunity to influence positive decisions by providing patients with knowledgeable insight into the processes, practices and issues associated with organ and tissue donation and recovery.

Legislation was introduced in New Jersey intended to increase organ and tissue donation through advocacy, awareness and education. Known as the New Jersey Hero Act legislation, it encourages organ and tissue donation and recovery education for practicing physicians and nurses throughout the State.

In response to that challenge, the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ) has partnered with The New Jersey Organ and Tissue Sharing Network, Gift of Life Donor Program and the Discovery Institute for Medical Education (DIME) to develop an innovative education program that will guide physicians, nurses and other health care professionals through the complex, and sometimes emotional topics related to organ and tissue donation. By educating clinicians, we will instill the confidence and certitude needed to counsel patients to make informed and appropriate decisions for themselves and their families. By promoting life-giving choices, we hope to turn skeptics into advocates, cynics into optimists – and everyday people into heroes.