Registering lifts the burden off your family of making the decision and ensures your intention to donate will be carried out after you die. A single donor can save and improve the lives of more than 50 people.

No. Donor families are never charged, and do not receive any payment or compensation for the donation.

Most transplant costs are covered by private insurance or Medicare. If someone is caught in the middle, there are several established groups that can assist with community fundraising. Cost alone does not typically keep someone from receiving a transplant.

No. Donation is not considered until all possible efforts to save a patient’s life have failed and death has been declared. The transplant team has no involvement in the patient’s care prior to death and is notified only after death has occurred.

Yes. Religious leaders the world over favor organ and tissue donation as the highest humanitarian ideal. If you have questions concerning your faith’s position regarding organ, eye and tissue donation, consult your religious leader.

No. A traditional, open casket funeral or cremation is still possible. Although there is no cost to the family for donating organs or tissues, the estate is still responsible for the usual costs associated with the funeral and burial.

Anyone, regardless of age, race, or gender can become an organ, eye and tissue donor. Medical suitability is determined after the donor’s death. Organs, eyes and tissues that cannot be used for transplants can often be used to help scientists find cures for serious illnesses.

A single donor can save and improve the lives of more than 50 people. Organs and tissues that can be transplanted include the kidneys, corneas, heart, lungs, liver, pancreas, heart valves, bone and skin.

Register at DonateLifeTexas.org or when renewing your license in person or online. Registration online takes less than five minutes. Donor information is protected and only authorized organ procurement organizations and tissue and eye banks can access registrant information.

Brain death occurs when a person has irreversible, catastrophic brain injury, which causes brain activity to stop permanently. Heart and lung functions can only be maintained with the help of a mechanical ventilator.