Frequently
asked questions
Why is donation important?
Over 91,000 Americans are currently
waiting for a life-saving transplant. 3,000 of these people live
in Kansas and Missouri.
- Organs donated by one person can potentially
save 8 lives and their donation of tissue can enhance more
than 50 lives.
Who can be a donor?
All individuals can indicate their intent to
donate. Anyone can be a potential organ and tissue donor, from
newborns, to senior citizens. Eligibility for donation is determined
at the time of death. There is no charge to the family for a
donation or evaluation.
What is a living donor?
A living donation takes place when a person
donates an organ or part of an organ to be transplanted into
a loved one in need. Living donors typically are a close family
member, spouse or friend. Living donations include kidneys, partial
liver and partial lung. Bone marrow may also be transplanted.
What
organs and tissue can be donated?
One person’s organ and
tissue donation has the potential to help more than 50 people.
Organs you can donate include heart, kidneys, pancreas, lungs,
liver and small intestine. Eligible tissue includes eyes, skin,
bones, heart valves, veins and connective tissue.
If I sign my
driver's license, will if affect the quality of medical care
I receive?
No. Every effort is made to save your life before donation
is considered. Medical personnel must follow very strict
guidelines before they pronounce death.
Will donation interfere with
funeral plans??
Organs are recovered in a sterile operating room
using qualified surgical personnel and protocols. Donation does
not disfigure the body and does not interfere with funeral plans,
including open casket services.
Is there a cost to the donor family?
Once the family consents
to organ and tissue donation there is no cost to the donor family.
How do I share my decision?
Share your decision by talking to your
family or legal guardian. It is helpful to sign your driver’s
license, but that is only an intent and not a consent to donate
organs and tissue. |
