Your decision to save lives by registering to be an organ and tissue donor is generous and honorable.  Here are some facts about donation you should know.

1. Your Life is Always First
If you are taken to the hospital after an accident or injury, it is the hospital’s number one priority to save YOUR life. Your status as a donor is not even considered until every effort has been made to try to save your life and death has been declared.

2. Everyone Has the Potential to be an Organ, Eye and Tissue Donor
Your age or health should not prevent you from registering to be an organ, eye or tissue donor.  Most health conditions do not prevent donation and age is not a factor.  Let the medical professionals decide what can be recovered and used to save or help someone else.

3.  All Faiths Agree
All major religions in the United States support organ and tissue donation and consider it a generous act of caring.

4. There is No Cost to Your Family
If you decide to be an organ and tissue donor, your family will NOT have to pay for any medical expenses associated with the donation.

5. One Person Can Help Up to 60 people
One person can save and help up to 60 lives through organ, eye and tissue donation.

6. Everyone is Equal
When it comes to waiting an organ transplant, the system in place treats us as equals. Rich or famous individuals cannot and do not get priority on the national transplant waiting list. Factors such as blood type, body size, location, severity of illness and length of time on the waiting list are used to determine the best candidate for an organ.

7. Your Decision Will Be Honored
When you register to become an organ and tissue donor you are making a legal donation decision and your decision will be honored.  Your decision is an advance directive.  It’s important to talk with your family to make sure they are prepared to honor your decision at the time of your death.

8.  If You Don’t Make a Decision, Your Family Will
If you haven’t registered to be an organ and tissue donor your family will be asked to make a decision about donation on your behalf.  Therefore, it is important that you have a conversation about donation and share your wishes with your loved ones.

9. Respect
The medical professionals who perform the recovery surgeries treat donor patients with the utmost respect, just like they would for any other patient.  Open casket funerals are still possible after organ and tissue donation.

10. Registering is Easy
Registering to become an organ and tissue donor is simple. You can register right now, online.  Or you can check the box to register to be a donor when you apply for or renew your driver’s license or state identification card.