There are 92,000 people on the waiting list for organs, according to the official government web page on becoming an organ donor. If the worst comes to pass, you could know that you’ve given all that you could for someone- even a stranger- and changed their life forever, if you elect to donate your organs which you will no longer need. Even in death, you can save lives.

Steps

1. Notify your friends and family of your noble intentions!
2. Download, print, and carry an organ donor card.
3. Make sure it is signed, and you either check the “Donate any needed organs or tissues” box, or you write in “Eyes” if you checked the “Only the following…” box, according to your wishes.
4. Take the appropriate steps to have your driver’s license reflect your desire to donate.
5. Make sure your desire to donate is reflected in any living will or advanced directives legal document you make.
6. Consider visiting a local organ donation organization, and discussing with them what you can or should do to make sure your wishes are fulfilled.
7. Understand that you will be examined post-mortem for whether your organs and tissues qualify (considering your cause of death and the health of your organs/tissue). You should make it known while you are living, however, if you have any conditions or diseases which would make you an unsafe or unviable donor.
8. Rest a little easier knowing that even if the worst had come to pass, your charity and kindness will live on, and may even restore to someone the gift of sight.

Organ and Tissue Donation:

You can get your Donor Card in one of three ways:

1. Print this page with the Donor Card Image onto cardstock.

2. Download a PDF File page with 8 Donor Cards ready for printing. At: ftp://ftp.hrsa.gov/osp/newdonorcard.pdf

ftp://ftp.hrsa.gov/organdonor/newdonorcard.pdf

3. Order up to 10 free paper copies from the Health Resource Service Administration Website.
This two-sided, wallet-sized organ/tissue donor card includes check-off boxes that allows you to indicate which organs you wish to donate. At: http://ask.hrsa.gov/detail.cfm?id=HRS00259

After you have your printed card:

• Fill in the Donor Card.
• Cut out the card.
• Laminate if desired.
• Carry the Card with you in your wallet.
• Make your wishes known.

This final step is very important. Be sure to make your wishes known about Organ Donation. Contrary to popular belief, simply signing and carrying an organ donation card is not enough. You need to talk to your family about your wishes.

Source:
Health Resource Service Administration (HSRA). Get Your Donor Card. Available at:http://www.organdonor.gov/signup1.html