NJ Sharing Network, one of two organ procurement organizations (OPOs) serving New Jersey, reported that 2015 was a record-breaking year for organ transplants. The Sharing Network and hospitals collaborated on 531 transplants, a 37 percent increase from 388 transplants in 2014.

Tissue donation also reached an all-time high, with a 7 percent increase from the prior year, according to the Sharing Network.

Kidneys were the most commonly donated organs, followed by liver, heart, lungs, pancreas and intestines. Tissue donation includes: corneas, bone grafts, skin grafts, ligaments and heart valves.

Despite the increase in transplants, there remain 5,000 New Jersey residents awaiting a life-saving transplant, and more than 1,000 of them joined the transplant waiting list in 2015. According to the Sharing Network, three names are added to New Jersey’s waiting list every day, and last year 90 people died while waiting for a transplant.

Joe Roth, NJ Sharing Network’s president and CEO, said the growth in organ and tissue transplants is a testament to the commitment and collaboration of donors and families, the OPO and hospitals.

“Our hospital partners play a critical role in saving and enhancing lives through organ and tissue donation,” said Roth. “We are grateful for their support of our organization’s mission and for the compassion they show to the donors’ families.”

NJHA’s Web site provides additional information and links on organ donation in New Jersey.