Donation...

Involves signing a donor card and sharing that information with family members. In Florida, you may also include donation on your driver’s license.

Is considered as an act of kindness by all major religions.

Helps those critically in need through a national network of organ sharing. Organs are matched to recipients based on medical compatibility, urgency of patient need, length of time a patient has been on the waiting list, and distance and time involved in transporting the organ.

Only occurs after death is declared. The doctor who treats a patient at the time of death is not part of the transplant program, which is required legally and ethically in medical practice.

Is a gift from one human being to another. All associated costs are paid by the donor program—not by the donor’s family.

By minorities helps minorities. Genetic markers used to match some types of organs are more often found among people who share the same race or ethnic background.

Provides donor families with something positive from an otherwise tragic loss, and serves as a tangible tribute to their loved one.

Will not change or disfigure physical appearance. Open casket funerals are possible.

Works. Thousands of men, women and children are helped each year due to another’s generosity.

Organs and Tissues That Can Be Donated Include:
Heart, Lung, Liver, Kidney, Pancreas, Intestines
Heart Valves, Cornea, Bone, Ligaments