FAQ

1. What organs and tissues can be donated?

Organs such as kidneys, pancreas, liver, lung, heart and intestine can be recovered from donors who are artificially maintained on a ventilator. Eyes, heart (for valves), bone, skin, blood vessels, and tendons can be recovered from these donors as well as from those who suffer a cardiac death. These and other organs and tissues can be donated for research.

2. Am I too old or sick to be able to donate organs and tissues?

We encourage everyone, no matter what age or medical condition, to sign a donor card. Criteria for donation change all the time due to advances in technology.

3. If I wear eyeglasses or contacts, can I still be an eye donor?

Yes. There are many reasons for people to wear eyeglasses. Most do not affect the cornea or sclera (the white part of the eye), which are the two tissues of the eye that can be transplanted. Eyes from people with specific conditions are always helpful in research to prevent or cure those conditions.

4. Is there a cost to my family or me to donate?

No. There is no cost to the donor or donor family.

5. Can I have an open casket funeral service if I donate?

Organs and tissues are recovered using standard surgical procedures and are respectful of the donor. In most cases, donation does not affect plans for an open casket funeral.

6. Does my religion support donation?

Most major religions consider donation a great charitable gift. Some say that if you have the chance to save another’s life, it is an obligation. You should consult your clergy or spiritual leader for specific information.

7. How many people need organ and tissue transplants?

There are currently about 100,000 people in the U.S. awaiting organ transplants. Every year over 45,000 corneas are provided by U.S. eye banks for transplant. Donated bone is used in over 800,000 procedures each year.

8. Will I receive the same medical care in a hospital if they know I’m a pledged donor?

Yes. The first priority of healthcare professionals is to save patients’ lives.

9. I know how organs save lives, but how do tissues help people?

Eye and musculoskeletal (bone and tendons) tissue enable people to return to normal, active lives. Having an allograft heart valve implant means not being dependent on medication. Bypass surgery can be performed using donated veins, precluding the need for the patient to have a second surgical site. Donated skin can save a burn victim’s life.

10. Where can I get a donor card?

You can download a donor card from this page or you can call 1-800-568-4321 to request that one be sent to you. You can also enroll on-line by visiting www.donatelifenys.net.

11. Can I change my mind after I’ve signed a donor card?

Yes. Call us at (585) 272-7890 or 1-800-568-4321.