The Need

African Americans & the Need • Registry • The Need

Transplantation is the only hope for thousands of people who suffer from organ failure or who are in critical need of corneas, skin, bone and other tissues. Your decision to be an organ and tissue donor is very important.

Just one donor can improve or save the lives of up to fifty people.

Talk to Your Family
Most Americans strongly approve of organ and tissue donation and would like to donate upon their death. However, very few Americans carry an organ donor card, and even fewer tell their families about their decision.

In most states, upon your death your family members must give their consent in order for organ and tissue donation to occur. Please tell your family about your decision to be a donor today, to eliminate confusion later.

Frequently Asked Questions About Organ Donation

Who can become a donor?

Anyone can consider becoming an organ and tissue donor. Your medical condition at the time of your death will determine what can be donated. Most people -- regardless of age, medical history, or cause of death -- can donate tissues.

Could my desire to be a donor affect the quality of my medical care?

Absolutely not. Organ and tissue removal take place only after all efforts to save your life have been exhausted.
The hospital's physicians and medical staff working to save your life are entirely separate from the medical team that is involved in the donation process.

Will donation disfigure my body?

No. The donation process is performed in an operating room and is treated like any other surgery. There is no disfigurement to the body, and many families choose to have open-casket funerals. The entire process take between twelve and eighteen hours, so funeral plans do not need to be delayed.

Is there any cost to my family?

No. All costs related to donation are covered by the local organ procurement organization. The family is responsible only for hospital charges not related to the donation, and for the donor's funeral arangements.

Organ and tissue donation costs nothing to the donor's family or estate.

Does my religion support organ and tissue donation?

Most religions in the United States support organ and tissue donation as a life-saving measure to those in need. If you have specific questions, please consult your religious leader.