Facebook has your personal data, now they’re coming for your kidneys! Seriously, though, Facebook unveiled a new “organ donor” feature on Tuesday, in an effort to encourage users to register and publicize this life saving program.

The option will allow users to publicly or privately note that they are an organ, eye, and tissue donor by accessing a function under the “Health and Wellness” tab of “Life Event” on Timeline. The option also provides users with information on how to officially register as an organ donor if they haven’t done so already. (It’s important to note that a Facebook status update does not officially make one an organ donor… I can just see the Supreme Court case now…)

According to a press release signed by Mark Zuckerberg and COO Sheryl Sandberg, “more than 114,000 people in the United States, and millions more around the globe, are waiting for the heart, kidney or liver transplant that will save their lives.”

Many of those people – an average of 18 people per day – will die waiting, because there simply aren’t enough organ donors to meet the need. Medical experts believe that broader awareness about organ donation could go a long way toward solving this crisis. And we believe that by simply telling people that you’re an organ donor, the power of sharing and connection can play an important role.

In an interview with ABC, Zuckerberg added that the move was inspired by his friendship with Steve Jobs, whose life was extended by a liver transplant.

What do you think? Can social media really boost organ donation and help save lives?

[via Mashable]

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