Social network Facebook is allowing its 900 million users to share their organ donor status in an effort to spread awareness.
The update will appear on an user's Timeline and in the About section of their profile. Users can also control whom can view their organ donor status.
"Medical experts believe that broader awareness about organ donation could go a long way toward solving this crisis," reads a statement from Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg. "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."
Facebook says the initiative was inspired by recent disasters such as last year's earthquake and tsunami in Japan, and the social network's role in keeping people connected.
"We never could have anticipated that what started as a small network would evolve into such a powerful tool for communication and problem solving," reads their statement. "As this happens, we hope to build tools that help people transform the way we all solve worldwide social problems."
More than 114,000 people in the U.S. are waiting for a transplant, according to data from the Department of Health and Human Services. They host a website with more details on organ donation.
April is Donate Life Month, a drive aimed at urging more people to become organ, eye and tissue donors.
Zuckerberg is expected to reveal more during an interview this morning with Good Morning America.
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