FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Who can become a donor?
All individuals can indicate their intent to donate (persons under 18 years of age must have parent's or guardian's consent). Medical suitability for donation is determined at the time of death.
Are there age limits for donors?
Answer:
From newborns to 80 year-olds, anyone is eligible to be an organ donor unless their cause of death disqualifies their organ and tissue for transplantation. For instance, patients with metastatic cancer or HIV infection are not considered candidates for organ or tissue donation. Donors who have no cardiac or respiratory function (people whose hearts have stopped) can donate tissue and eyes, and in some cases, kidneys and livers, but usually not other organs. People who have died by brain death, cessation of brain function usually due to a traumatic injury or stroke, can donate all organs and tissue unless there are other reasons for a medical rule-out.
How do I express my wishes to become an organ and tissue donor?
Indicate your intent to be an organ and tissue donor on your driver’s license.
Carry an organ donor card.
Most important, discuss your decision with family members and loved ones.
If I sign a donor card or indicate my donation preferences on my driver’s license, will my wishes be carried out?
Even if you sign a donor card it is essential that your family know your wishes. Your family may be asked to sign a consent form in order for your donation to occur. If you wish to learn how organ donation preferences are documented and honored where you live, contact your local organ procurement organization (OPO). The OPO can advise you of specific local procedures, such as joining donor registries, that are available to residents in your area.
What can be donated?
Organs: heart, kidneys, pancreas, lungs, liver, and intestines
Tissue: cornea, skin, bone marrow, heart valves, and connective tissue Bone marrow
If I sign a donor card, will it affect the quality of medical care I receive at the hospital?
No! Every effort is made to save your life before donation is considered.
Will donation disfigure my body? Can there be an open casket funeral?
Donation does not disfigure the body and does not interfere with having a funeral, including open casket services.
Are there any costs to my family for donation?
The donor’s family does not pay for the cost of the organ donation. All costs related to donation of organs and tissues are paid by the recipient, usually through insurance, Medicare or Medicaid.
How are organs distributed?
Patients are matched to organs based on a number of factors including blood and tissue typing, medical urgency, time on the waiting list, and geographical location.
Can I be an organ and tissue donor and also donate my body to medical science?
Total body donation is an option, but not if you choose to be an organ and tissue donor. If you wish to donate your entire body, you should directly contact the facility of your choice to make arrangements. Medical schools, research facilities and other agencies need to study bodies to gain greater understanding of disease mechanisms in humans. This research is vital to saving and improving lives.
If I have a previous medical condition, can I still donate?
Regardless of any pre-existing medical circumstances or conditions, determination of suitability to donate organs or tissue may be based on a combination of factors that take into account the donor's general health and the urgency of need of the recipient. This determination is usually done by the medical staff that recovers the organs or by the transplant team that reviews all of the data about the organ(s) or tissue that have been recovered from the donor.
Email our Webmaster for additional information | 
