Frequently
asked questions
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.
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.
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.
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.
No. Every effort is made to save your life before donation is considered. Medical personnel must follow very strict guidelines before they pronounce death.
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.
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