Organ Transplantation and Donation Facts at a Glance
- People of all ages and medical histories should consider themselves potential donors. Your medical condition at the time of death will determine what organs and tissue can be donated.
- Organs and tissues that can be donated include: heart, kidneys, lungs, pancreas, liver, intestines, corneas, skin, tendons, bone, and heart valves.
- There is no national registry of organ donors. Even if you have indicated your wishes on your drivers' license or a donor card, be sure you have told your family as they will be consulted before donation can take place.
- All major religions approve of organ and tissue donation and consider donation the greatest gift.
- An open-casket funeral is possible for organ and tissue donors.
Donate Life America
www.donatelife.net
National Marrow Donor Program
www.marrow.org
American Red Cross (blood and tissue donation)
www.redcross.org
The Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network
Operated by UNOS under contract with HRSA.
http://optn.transplant.hrsa.gov
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Web site for Organ Donation
www.organdonor.gov
Last updated: April 10, 2009
