Organ and Tissue Donation

Contrary to popular belief, simply signing and carrying a donor card or indicating on your license will not guarantee that your organs will be donated. You need to tell someone--your family or next of kin that you want to be an organ donor, so they can carry out your wishes.

There are several steps you can take to let others know about your wishes to become an organ donor.

• Declare your wish on your driver's license.
• Join the donor registry if your state has one.
• Include organ donation in your advance directives, will and living will.
• Most important - Tell your family. They can be your advocate should you become a donor candidate and will be the ones doctors come to for consent.
• Tell your physician, attorney, faith or religious leader, and friends.
• Complete a donor card and carry it in your wallet.

Source:
Health Resource Service Administration (HSRA). Make Your Wishes Known. Available at: http://www.organdonor.gov/signup1.html