Donation FAQ

• Who can be a donor?
  Anyone who is 18 years or older can become a donor. A person under the age of 18 can become a donor with a parent or guardian’s consent.
  
• How can you become a donor?
  Sign a donor card and tell your family and loved ones about your decision (many relatives may not approve of donation if they are not aware of your wishes)
  
• Why is it important to donate organs?
  As of June 2, 1999, there were 63,635 patients on the waiting list to receive an organ. Ten (10) persons per day die waiting for transplants.
  
• What organs can be donated?
  Heart, Liver, Kidney, Heart-lung, pancreas and lung.
  
• What are some tissues that can be donated?
  Skin, bones, corneas, heart valves and connective tissue.
  
• What happens when people donate organs and tissues?
  One organ donor can save the lives of seven (7) persons. Tissue donation can better the quality of life of twenty (20) persons, such as giving sight to the blind.
  
• Will my donation cost my family anything?
  No, a donor’s family is not charged for donation. The Organ Procurement Organization pays the costs associated with the recovery of organs and tissues from donors.
  
• Can I be a "living" donor?
  Yes, you can donate blood, bone marrow, and kidneys. You can be a living related donor or an unrelated living donor.
  
• Can people sell their organs or tissues?
  Don’t believe the hype! It is against the law in the United States to sell organs or tissues, therefore neither the donor nor any family may receive any money for donating organs or tissues.
  
• Will my body be deformed if I become a donor?
  No, donated organs and tissues are removed surgically, as in a routine operation. Normal funeral arrangements (with an open casket) are possible for organ and tissue donors.
  
• What can you do to prevent the need for an organ transplant?
  Avoid alcoholic drinks to help prevent liver disease. Do not use illegal drugs such as heroin and cocaine which can also cause liver disease and kidney failure. Do not smoke cigarettes which can lead to heart disease and lung disease. Avoid foods high in salt, cholesterol, and saturated fats such as fried foods which can clog the arteries. Exercise regularly- at least three times per week.
  

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