ABOUT DONATION
QUICK DONATION FACTS
1
ORGAN
DONOR
CAN SAVE UP TO
8 LIVES
1
TISSUE
DONOR
CAN SAVE & HEAL
75 LIVES
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Over 105,000 Americans are on the organ transplant waiting list, including more than 6,000 Floridians.*
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Every eight minutes, another person is added to the national organ transplant waiting list.
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Unfortunately, an average of 13 people pass away each day waiting for the second chance.
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86% of people waiting are in need of a kidney transplant. If you are a perfect match to a potential recipient, you can donate one of your kidneys while you are still living.
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More than 60% of Americans waiting for an organ transplant are from a multicultural background.
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One cornea donor can give the gift of sight to two people.
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* Data based on OPTN Reporting as of March 2026.
WHAT CAN BE DONATED
ORGAN
USES
BENEFITS
LIVER
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Chronic hepatitis with cirrhosis
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Primary biliary cirrhosis
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Biliary atresia
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Sclerosing cholangitis
A transplant can allow patients to live a normal, fully functioning life after transplant.
HEART
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Severe coronary artery disease
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Congenital heart disease
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Dilated cardiomyopathy
Many heart transplant recipients lead long and productive lives after transplant.
LUNGS
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Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
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Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
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Cystic fibrosis
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Idiopathic pulmonary arterial
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Hypertension
After a lung transplant, the majority of recipients have no limitations on physical activity.
KIDNEYS
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Chronic kidney disease
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High blood pressure
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Diabetes
Kidney transplant eliminates the need for dialysis treatments and more.
PANCREAS
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Type 1 Diabetes with end-stage renal disease
A pancreas transplant can cure diabetes and eliminate the need for insulin injections after transplant.
INTESTINES
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Life-threatening complications from total parenteral nutrition (TPN)
Intestinal transplant recipients are able to transition to an oral diet and resume normal activities of daily living after transplant.
TISSUE
USES
BENEFITS
PERICARDIUM
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Repair defects caused by trauma
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Neurosurgery
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Promote healing
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Enhance life
BLOOD VESSELS
Saphenous Vein
Femoral Vein
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CABG procedures
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Peripheral vascular disease
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AV access
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Restore circulation
SKIN
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Burns
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Abdominal wall injuries
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Reconstructive surgery after mastectomy
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Promote healing
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Prevent fluid loss
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Decrease infection & pain
BONE & CONNECTIVE TISSUE
Femur
Tibia
Fibula
Humerus
Radius
Ulna
Hemi-Pelvis
Fascia lata
Tendons & ligamennts
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Trauma
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Fractures
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Tumors
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Degenerative bone disease
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Dental surgery
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Bladder sling procedures
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Hernia repair
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Sports injuries
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Promote healing
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Restore mobility
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Prevent amputation
EYES
Cornea
Sclera
Whole Globe
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Cornea perforation
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Pseudophakic bullous keratopathy
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Keratoconus
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Corneal degeneration
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Corneal scarring due to keratitis & trauma
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Restore sight
HEART VALVES
Aortic Valve
Pulmonary Valve
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Congenital heart disease
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Valvular heart disease
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No rejection
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No anticoagulation therapy needed
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Treatment of choice for children
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Low risk of infection
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q. If first responders/medical professionals know I’m a registered donor, will they still work as hard to save me?
A. Your life always comes first. If you are sick or injured, the first responders’, doctors’ and nurses’ first priority is always to save your life. Donation is only considered after all life-saving efforts have been exhausted.
Q. If I donate, will I still be able to have an open casket funeral?
A. Throughout the donation process, heroic donors are treated with the utmost respect and dignity. Organs and tissues are recovered in a surgical procedure and all incisions are closed and dressed. Every effort is made to minimize changes to physical appearance.
Q. Can I donate if I’m older and/or have medical issues?
A. Everyone should consider themselves a potential donor, regardless of age or medical conditions. Each patient is evaluated at the time of death to determine which organs and tissues may be medically suitable for donation.
Q. How do I know if my religion supports organ, eye and tissue donation?
A. All major organized religions in the U.S. support or encourage organ, eye and tissue donation and view it as a final act of charity or love.
Q. Will my family have to pay for the medical costs if I am a donor?
A. Your family will never have to pay for costs associated with organ, eye and tissue donation. Costs related to donation are paid by the recipient, usually through insurance, Medicare or Medicaid.
Q. Do I need to tell my family I registered?
A. Even if you are a registered donor, it is important to share those wishes with your loved ones. Your family may be asked to complete paperwork in order for donation to occur.