To the editor:

Organ donation is a powerful gift that is given and received by thousands of people each year. However, more than 101,000 people are on the national wait list for organs that can sustain or enhance their quality of life.

As the director of Geisinger Health System's transplant program, I would like to share some information that most people may not be aware of regarding organ transplants:

Each donor can immediately impact up to eight people on the national organ wait list. Surgeons can use a donor's heart, liver, pancreas, intestine, lungs and kidneys to restore function in up to eight individuals.

Up to 50 lives can be enhanced with organ donation. In addition to organs, tissue also can be used in transplantation programs across the country. For example, skin can be grafted to help heal burn victims and corneas can restore sight in the blind.

I encourage organ donors to talk with their family members and loved ones. It's important for family members to be able to ask questions and understand each individual's motives for becoming an organ donor. Sometimes listing 'organ donor' on a driver's license is not enough.

April is National Organ Donor Awareness Month. This month, learn how you can become an organ donor and help thousands of people in need.

Visit www.donors1.org or participate in Geisinger's online chat at noon April 16 at www.geisinger.org/chat.

Chintalapati Varma, M.D.,

Geisinger Health System