| 1. |
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Anyone can be a donor regardless of age, gender or race. |
| 2. |
How do I become a donor? |
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You can become a donor by signing your donor card and discussing your wishes with your family. It's critical to share your decision with your family as they will be asked for final consent to donate your organs and tissues after your death.
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| 3. |
What organs and tissues can I donate? |
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Organs that can be donated include: heart, liver, lungs, kidneys, pancreas, and intestines. Tissues that can be donated include corneas, bone, and heart for valves. |
| 4. |
What if it conflicts with my religious beliefs? |
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Most major religions support and encourage organ and tissue donation. If your religion restricts the use of the body after death, consult with your spiritual leader - restrictions may not apply if the donation could save another life. |
| 5. |
If I sign a donor card, will it affect the quality of medical care I receive at the hospital? |
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No - every effort is made to save your life before donation is considered. |
| 6. |
Will the retrieval process disfigure my body? Does it affect funeral and burial arrangements? |
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No - there is no alteration in the donor's appearance following organ or tissue donation. A person may make any burial arrangements desired. A traditional, open-casket funeral is possible.
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| 7. |
Are there any costs to my family? |
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No - the donor's family does not pay for the cost of the organ donation process. |
| 8. |
How are organs distributed? |
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Though a carefully managed matching process. Patients are matched to organs based on a number of factors including blood type, age, size, medical urgency, time on waiting list, and geographical location. |
| 9. |
Can I be an organ and tissue donor and also donate my body to medical science? |
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No - you have to choose one or the other. If you give your body to medical science, your organs and tissues would not be available for donation
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| 10. |
Should I mention my donation decision in my will? |
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No. The reading of the will usually occurs after the funeral arrangements are completed. However, preparing or amending a will can be an opportunity to discuss your wishes with your family.
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| 11. |
Can I change my mind? |
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Yes - inform your family and tear up your donor card. |
| 12. |
Can I sell my organs? |
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No - it is illegal to sell human organs & tissues. |
| 13. |
Is donation confidential? |
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Yes - nobody will know about your gift of life unless your family tells them. |
