Now is the time to discuss organ and tissue donation with your family. It is important that your family members are fully aware of your wishes because at the time of your death, your next of kin will be asked permission for donation. Discussing your wishes will help relieve your family of having to make a difficult decision for you during a very sorrowful time. This information and Family Discussion piece will answer many of your questions, express your wishes and help to begin a discussion with your family. You are only considered a candidate for donation after you are declared legally dead.
Every effort is made to save the life of a patient.
Medical treatment you receive in the hospital is not affected by your commitment to donation. Removal of donated organs and tissues occurs during a surgical procedure and the donor's body is treated with respect and dignity. Therefore, you can have a traditional, open casket funeral service. Donation does not interfere with funeral arrangements which remain the responsibility of the donor's family. Donor families do not pay for nor receive payment for organ and tissue donation.