Transforming Lives Through Organ Donation

Transforming Lives Through Organ Donation

Why Organ Donation Matters

The Gift of Life

Why Organ Donation Matters The Gift of Life

Choosing to be an organ donor is one of the most generous decisions you can make. A single donor can save up to eight lives, gift sight to two people and heal more than 75 others through tissue donation

Every donation brings hope to patients and families in need

  • Quality of Life: Transplants can greatly improve a recipient’s health and quality of life, allowing them to return to normal activities. They can spend more time with family and friends, be more physically active, and pursue their interests more fully. 

  • Increased Life Span: A kidney transplant dramatically increases the life span of a patient by about 10 years and improves their quality of life. People who undergo a transplant will no longer require weekly dialysis treatments or have the side effects of dialysis such as nausea, vomiting, low blood pressure, muscle cramping, and itchy skin.

  • Addressing Organ Shortages: More than 100,000 people are awaiting lifesaving organ transplants, with another person added to the waiting list every eight minutes. Only about 40,000 transplants are performed each year. Currently, over 6,000 people die each year awaiting a lifesaving organ transplant.

Your Guide to the Essentials

Your Guide to the Essentials

Who can become an organ donor?

All people can become donors regardless of age or medical history. Your medical condition at the time of death determines what tissue and organs can be donated. Sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, race, religion and income are never considered.

Does organ donation affect funeral arrangements?

No. Arrangements of your choice are possible. Your body is treated with great care and respect throughout the entire donation process. Organ and tissue donation do not delay or prevent an open-casket funeral.

How much does organ donation cost?

All costs are incurred by the organ procurement organization, allowing donors and their families to not be held responsible for any costs related to donation.

Does organ donation align with my religious beliefs?

All major religions consider donation to be an individual decision, or support it as a final act of generosity toward others.

Does being an organ donor change my patient care?

Doctors prioritize saving lives. Donation is only considered after a patient experiences complete, irreversible brain function loss and is legally and clinically declared dead. Only then, does donation become an option.

Is there an age limit on organ donation?

There is no set age limit on organ donation, as each potential donor is evaluated at the time of their death to determine which organs and tissues may be suitable for donation.

Will my organs be donated to people who don’t take care of themselves?

Organs are donated to people who were born with or developed diseases that result in organ failure. Less than 5% of people awaiting transplants have destroyed their organs through substance abuse, and must sustain sobriety prior to receiving a donation.

How does the deceased organ donation process work?

After death is declared, state and national donor registries are securely searched. If unregistered, next of kin may authorize donation. Professionals determine transplantable organs & match them to waiting recipients based on blood type, condition, distance and more.