Becoming an organ donor is one of the most generous and noble things one can do. It is the last act of kindness you can do for someone. When you become an organ donor, you help give the gift of life to someone else, and continue to live on in that person. Donating your organs is something you should discuss with your family, so that they are aware of your wishes.
Instructions
1. Make sure you qualify for organ and tissue donation. An organ donor cannot have HIV, AIDS or active cancer. Other chronic illnesses or preexisting medical conditions will not necessarily eliminate you as a donor and there are no age limits. Doctors evaluate your organs at the time of donation to determine if they are suitable for transplant.
2. Decide which type of donor you would like to be. You can designate which organs and tissues you wish to donate - heart, liver, lungs or kidneys, or brain tissue, blood cells, platelets or skin. Or you can simply donate your whole body to medical science.
You can also become a living donor, someone willing to give a family member or stranger a kidney, partial liver, lung or cornea, for example. The government provides assistance, such as travel and lodging expenses, for live donors.
3. Register with your state organ donor registry. In the event of your death, your name will be run in the national database to check your donor status. OrganDonor.gov is run by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and provides links to state registries.
4. Notify the DMV that you wish to be a donor, as it will be indicated on your driver's license. In the event of an fatal accident away from home, this information can be accessed as soon as your identity is established.
