What is organ and tissue donation?

Organ and tissue donation and transplantation is a miracle of modern medicine--after someone has died in an accident, they can give life through their organs and tissues to save or improve the life of someone who desperately needs them.

When someone is in a traumatic accident and all efforts have been made to save them, the doctor assesses their condition. If there is no possibility of life (all criteria of brain death are met), the family will be asked to consider donating their loved one's organs and tissues. It is very important that you discuss your wishes about organ and tissue donation with your family as soon as possible in case this happens to you. The gift of life, agreeing to be an organ and tissue donor, can save lives. More than 50 people can benefit from the gifts of one organ and tissue donor.

In the United States right now there are more than 60,000 people on the waiting list for a life-saving organ transplant. In order to live another day or week or year, these people need the gift of a heart, lung, liver, kidney, or pancreas that only a generous organ donor can provide.

 Download an organ donor card