The American Transplant Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that strives to eliminate our country's shortage of human transplant organs. Our supporters help the Foundation to raise awareness about organ donation, collaborate with other organ donation groups, and work toward better public policy.

 

Become an Organ Donor

Step 1: Register

In Colorado, you can register to donate organs after death at www.ColoradoDonorRegistry.org . We will soon add links for donor registries in other states.

When you obtain a new, or renewed, driver's license or ID card at the Department of Motor Vehicles, be sure to sign the back of your license to indicate that you wish to donate your organs.

Step 2: Tell Your Family

Telling your family is as important as registering. Upon the death of a registered organ donor, health care professionals must obtain the family's consent to use organs or tissue. It sometimes happens that perfectly usable organs that could save lives cannot be used because family members will not allow healthcare professionals to recover organs, even when the deceased is a registered donor.

If you explain your wish to be a donor, and express why it's important, they will most likely honor your wishes. Here are a few things your family may want to know:

• There is a critical need for organs, and you want your family to support your wish to save the lives of others

• One donor (such as yourself) can save eight people's lives, and can provide tissues that can improve the well-being of as many as 100 recipients

• The family does not incur any type of cost or additional burden by allowing organ donation

• Most religions support organ donation as a way to show love and caring for others

• Bodies are not disfigured due to donation, so donation does not hinder open casket services

 

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