Donor Information

1 donor can touch the lives of more than 50 people

What does organ, eye and tissue donor registration do? Registering to become an organ, eye and tissue donor lifts the burden off your family of making the decision and ensures your intention to donate will be carried out after you die. A single donor can save and improve the lives of more than 50 people.

Is there any cost or payment for donation?
No. Donor families are never charged, and do not receive any payment or compensation for the donation.

What if I can’t afford a transplant if I need one? 
Most transplant costs are covered by private insurance or Medicare. If someone is caught in the middle, there are several established groups that can assist with community fundraising. Cost alone does not typically keep someone from receiving a transplant.

Is there a conflict between using my organs, eyes and tissues and saving my life?
No. Donation is not considered until all possible efforts to save a patient’s life have failed and death has been declared. The transplant team has no involvement in the patient’s care prior to death and is notified only after death has occurred.

Do religious groups support organ, eye and tissue donation? 
Yes. Religious leaders the world over favor organ and tissue donation as the highest humanitarian ideal. If you have questions concerning your faith’s position regarding organ, eye and tissue donation, consult your religious leader.

Does donation affect funeral and burial arrangements? 
No. A traditional, open casket funeral or cremation is still possible. Although there is no cost to the family for donating organs or tissues, the estate is still responsible for the usual costs associated with the funeral and burial.

Who can be a donor? 
Anyone, regardless of age, race, or gender can become an organ, eye and tissue donor. Medical suitability is determined after the donor’s death. Organs, eyes and tissues that cannot be used for transplants can often be used to help scientists find cures for serious illnesses.

What can be donated?  A single donor can save and improve the lives of more than 50 people. Organs and tissues that can be transplanted include:  the kidneys, corneas, heart, lungs, liver, pancreas, heart valves, bone and skin.

How do I make my wishes known about being a donor? 
Register at www.DonateLifeTexas.org or when renewing your license in person or online. Registration online takes less than five minutes. Donor information is protected and only authorized organ procurement organizations and tissue and eye banks can access registrant information.

Can someone recover after being declared “brain dead”?
Brain death occurs when a person has irreversible, catastrophic brain injury, which causes brain activity to stop permanently. Heart and lung functions can only be maintained with the help of a mechanical ventilator.