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Becoming a Donor

Image of Donald and Kathy Wong. Donald is a heart recipient.

“There is no way that I can express my appreciation and gratitude for the donor heart that gave me a second chance. Now I educate others about donation.”

> Read more about my story

Organ and tissue donation and transplantation provide a second chance at life for thousands of people each year. You have the opportunity to be one of the individuals who make these miracles happen.

By deciding to be a donor, you give the gift of hope ... hope for the thousands of individuals awaiting organ transplants and hope for the millions of individuals whose lives could be enhanced through tissue transplants.

Use the link below and then select your state to register as an organ, tissue, and eye donor.

> Register in your state to be a donor.

WHO CAN DONATE

Most People Can Donate

You Are Never Too Old

Medical Condition?—Don't Rule Yourself Out

Why Minority Donors Are Needed

THE NEED IS REAL

Each day, about 79 people receive organ transplants. However, 18 people die each day waiting for transplants that can't take place because of the shortage of donated organs.

For characteristics about waitlisted patients, such as gender, age, or organs needed, go to the U.S. Waiting List Candidates by Organ & Gender.

> U.S. Waiting List Candidate Data

HOW TO BECOME A DONOR

The most important thing to do is to sign up as an organ and tissue donor in your state's donor registry.

To cover all bases, it's also helpful to:

Designate your decision on your driver's license
Tell your family about your donation decision
Tell your physician, faith leader, and friends
Include donation in your advance directives, will, and living will

100 MILLION PEOPLE IN THE U.S. HAVE SIGNED UP TO BE AN ORGAN DONOR.

HEALTHFUL HABITS TO REDUCE YOUR RISK

There are many reasons why people suffer end-stage organ failure and need an organ transplant and why others are not accepted as organ donors. Some reasons are totally out of their control, like being born with a genetic disease or becoming sick from a virus or bacteria. However, there are some things we all can do to help reduce our risk of acquiring a chronic disease that could lead to end-stage organ failure or limit our chances to donate.

> Find out more

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