WHO CAN DONATE AND HOW?
Facts About
Organ Donation
Despite ongoing efforts in public education, misconceptions and inaccuracies surrounding donation persist. Gain a deeper understanding of organ, eye, and tissue donation by acquainting yourself with these facts.
To become an organ donor, please register here: registerme.org
Who decides who gets a donated organ?​
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Fact: A national computer system and stringent standards ensure the ethical and fair distribution of organs, considering factors like blood and tissue typing, organ size, medical urgency, waiting time, and geographic location.
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Fact: The primary focus upon hospital admission for sickness or injury is saving lives; organ donation is only contemplated after a physician declares death.
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Fact: There exists no universal age limit for receiving a transplant; instead, each transplant hospital adheres to specific criteria tailored to individual cases, ensuring suitability for potential candidates.
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No major religions oppose organ, eye, and tissue donations. Many support it as an act of charity and compassion.
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Who can donate and how?
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Fact: Individuals of all ages and medical backgrounds are encouraged to consider themselves potential donors, with organ and tissue donation eligibility determined by one's medical condition upon passing.
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Fact: Organs and tissues available for donation encompass a range including the heart, kidneys, lungs, pancreas, liver, intestines, corneas, skin, tendons, bone, nerve, and heart valves.
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Fact: Unregistered individuals can easily become donors by visiting registerme.org.
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Fact: It's important to communicate your donation wishes with your family, even if you've documented them on your driver’s license, state donor registry, or the National Donate Life Registry.
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Fact: Donors from all racial and ethnic backgrounds are crucial, with transplant success rates notably higher when organs are matched within the same ethnic group.
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What happens after organ donation?
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Fact: Contrary to popular belief, organ and tissue donors can still have an open-casket funeral.
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Fact: Organ and tissue donation incur no expenses for the donor's family or estate, alleviating financial burdens during an already difficult time.
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Fact: Confidentiality is paramount in organ donation; information about the donor is disclosed to recipients only upon the family's request or agreement, ensuring privacy for both donor families and recipients.
