Organ Donor Information FAQ

Commonly asked questions

What is organ donation?
Organ donation means taking healthy organs and tissues from one person (living or deceased) to be transplanted into another person.

Why donate an organ?
The organs from one donor (depending on the donor) can save or help as many as 50 people.

When can organ donation occurr?
Most organ and tissue donations occur after the donor has died. But some organs and tissues can be donated while the donor is alive.

Organs that can be donated include:
  • Internal organs: Kidneys, heart, liver, pancreas, intestines, lungs
  • Skin
  • Bone and bone marrow
  • Cornea

Who can be an organ donor?
People of all ages and background can be organ donors. If you are under age 18, you will need your parent or guardian's permission to become a donor. If you are 18 or older you can show you want to be a donor by signing a donor card. You should also let your family and friends know your wishes.

Useful Links

Becomming a Donor - http://www.organdonor.gov/becomingdonor/index.html

MatchingDonors - nonprofit organization that finds living altruistic organ donors for those needing transplants. - http://www.matchingdonors.com/

United Network for Organ Sharing - http://www.unos.org

Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) - National Waiting List - http://optn.transplant.hrsa.gov

Donor Statistics - http://www.organdonor.gov