Organ Donation

More than 117,000 men, women and children are on the national transplant waiting list. Every 12 minutes another person is added. In Louisiana more than 1,600 people are waiting for organ transplants, 90% of whom are waiting for kidneys. Nearly 20 people die unnecessarily each day because there are too few organ donors. This adds up to thousands of people per year.

There are a lot of myths about organ donation, but only the facts count.

• Your decision to donate will not interfere with life-saving medical care. Organ and tissue donation is only an option after all attempts have been made to save your life and death has been declared.
• Anyone can potentially be a donor regardless of age, race or medical history. Cancer, heart disease, diabetes, poor eyesight or cataracts will not prevent you from being a donor.
• One healthy donor can save up to nine lives.
• Six organs can be used for transplant: heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, pancreas, and small intestines.
• All major religions approve of organ, tissue and eye donation, and see it as an unselfish act of charity.
• Donation does not prevent open casket funerals.
• Organs and tissue are surgically removed and the donor is treated with utmost dignity and respect.
• There is no cost to the donor or their family for organ, tissue and eye donation.
• It is illegal to distribute organs based on wealth, citizenship, or celebrity status.
• It is illegal to buy or sell organs for transplantation in the United States.
• Let family members know about your decision to become an organ, tissue and eye donor. Only then can they support your decision to give the Gift of Life.

How Do I Register to Become an Organ and Tissue Donor?

A donor form is available from the hospital. Just ask your nurse. You may also sign up through the following resources:

• LOPA (Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency) Website
• Office of Motor Vehicles
• Calling 1-800-521-GIVE (4483)

For more information, please contact LOPA at 1-800-521-GIVE (4483).

Useful Links

The following websites are recommended as educational resources on organ donation and transplantation.

• The Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network  (OPTN) brings together medical professionals, recipients, and donor families to develop transplantation policy.
• United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS)is an independent, non-profit organization that develops the requirement for OPTN
• The Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency (LOPA) is an independent, not-for-profit organ and tissue recovery agency designated by the CMS to serve the state of Louisiana.
• Donate Life is a not-for-profit national organization focused on increasing organ donation. Interested parties can find information on the donation process and register to become an organ donor.
• Explore Transplant partners with healthcare professionals to help people with kidney failure discover information about transplantation and living donation.
• Living Bank is raising awareness of the need for organ donors through public education & advocating for living donors.