Organ & Tissue Donation
Organ donation is one of the foremost advances in modern medicine.
Globally and nationally, there is a donor organ shortage. The demand for organ, eye and tissue donation exceeds the number of donors in the U.S.
Organ donation is the process of surgically taking healthy organs and tissues from one person for transplantation into another. Transplants are needed when a recipient’s organ has failed or has been damaged by injury or disease. Every year, the lives of thousands of recipients are saved and improved by the gift of organ and tissue donation.
How to Become an Organ or Tissue Donor
People of all ages and medical histories can consider themselves potential donors. Your medical condition and age at the time of death will determine what organs and tissue can be donated. Organ donation is voluntary and there are mechanisms in place to protect the donor's health, safety and privacy. It's easy to become an organ donor — you can indicate your intention in the following ways:
Register to Donate After Death
You can sign up to donate your organs, eyes or tissue after death. It's a way of giving your legal consent for the anatomical gift of tissue and organs after your death.
Become a Living Donor
A living organ donation can shorten the waiting period for an organ (or part of an organ) and can be performed with fewer complications and, often, better patient outcomes.
What You Can Donate
- Bones
- Corneas and whole eyes
- Heart Valves
- Skin
- Organs, including heart, intestines, liver, lungs, kidneys and pancreas
- Veins
- Soft tissues, including tendons and ligaments

Video: Honor Walk Pays Tribute to Organ Donor
Fire Captain Robin Cervantes, who was killed in an accident, donated four organs that helped four recipients. His family, friends and medical team paid tribute to his generosity with an Honor Walk as he was wheeled to the operating room for the donation.