People of all ages can give a precious gift by becoming an organ and tissue donor.

If you are sick or injured and admitted to the hospital, you will receive the same level of care regardless of donor designation. The doctors treating you are not involved with transplant programs or possible recipients. This fact is both law and ethical medical practice. Donation of organs and tissues takes place only after all lifesaving efforts have been exhausted, death has been legally declared, and donor designation has been confirmed. If an individual did not previously designate their wishes, the next-of-kin would have to give consent before donation could take place.

All costs related to donation are the responsibility of the organ procurement organization. The donor family is not responsible for any fees associated with donation.

All major religions support organ and tissue donation as an unselfish act of charity.

An individual’s wealth and social status are never part of the determination of who will receive a lifesaving organ transplant. A national computerized matching system is used to place available organs with potential recipients. Matches are based on the length of time a patient has been waiting, medical compatibility and the distance involved in transporting the organs to critically ill patients. National policies govern the sharing of organs in the United States to ensure all patients fair and equal access to transplantation.

Surgical procedures are utilized to recover lifesaving organ and tissue donations. The body is always treated with great care and respect. Donation should not delay or change funeral arrangements, and an open casket service is possible.