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Organ Donation

One donor can save up to 8 lives. Signing up takes about two minutes.

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What is organ donation?

Organ donation means giving an organ to someone whose own organ has stopped working. Most donations happen after a person dies. Organs that can be donated include the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, pancreas, and intestines. People can also donate eyes (corneas) and tissue, like skin, bone, and heart valves.

Some people donate while they’re alive. A living donor can give one kidney or part of their liver to someone who needs it.

Why it matters

Members of our own team have family who have been on the transplant list, so this topic is personal for us. Waiting for an organ is hard on the whole family. Every person who signs up gives someone else a better chance at more time with the people they love.

Signing up is free and only takes a few minutes. Most importantly, tell your family so they know your wishes.

Quick facts

  • More than 100,000 people in the U.S. are waiting for an organ transplant.
  • About 12 people die each day waiting for an organ.
  • One donor can save up to 8 lives and improve the lives of more than 75 others through eye and tissue donation.
  • Every 7 minutes, another person is added to the national waiting list.
  • Living donors can give a kidney or part of their liver and still live healthy lives.

Myths vs. facts

  • Myth: Doctors won't try as hard to save me if I'm a donor. Fact: Your medical team's only job is to save your life. Donation is only considered after death.
  • Myth: I'm too old or not healthy enough. Fact: There's no age limit to sign up. Doctors decide at the time of death what can be donated.
  • Myth: My family will have to pay. Fact: Your family never pays for donation.
  • Myth: We can't have an open-casket funeral. Fact: Donors are treated with care and respect, and an open-casket funeral is usually still possible.
  • Myth: My religion doesn't allow it. Fact: Most major religions support organ donation. Talk with your faith leader if you have questions.

What you can do today

  1. Join the Donate Life Texas registry online. It takes about two minutes.
  2. Say "yes" to organ donation when you get or renew your Texas driver license or ID card.
  3. Tell your family you want to be a donor, so they know your wishes.
  4. Learn about living donation. You may be able to help someone you love.
  5. Share this page with a friend, or follow a donor family's story to learn more.

Talk it over

  • Talk with your family about your decision. It makes things easier for them later.
  • If you're under 18, talk it over with your parents or guardians.
  • Ask your doctor or a transplant center if you're interested in being a living donor.
  • If you or someone you love is on a waiting list, ask the transplant team about support groups.

From trusted health sites

Up-to-date info about organ donation from U.S. government health websites.

More from MedlinePlus

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