National Donate Life Month

Observed in April each year, National Donate Life Month helps raise awareness about donation, encourage Americans to register as organ, eye and tissue donors and to honor those that have saved lives through the gift of donation.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Does registering as a donor change my patient care?

No, your life always comes first. Doctors work hard to save every patient’s life, but sometimes there is a complete and irreversible loss of brain function. When the patient is declared clinically and legally dead, only then is donation an option.

Does donation affect funeral plans?

Funeral arrangements of your choice are possible, including a viewing. Through the entire donation process the body is treated with care and respect. Following donation, funeral arrangements can continue as planned.

Does my social and/or financial status play any part in whether or not I will receive an organ if I ever need one?

No. A national system matches available organs from the donor with people on the waiting list based on blood type, body size, how sick they are, donor distance, tissue type and time on the list. Race, gender, income, celebrity and social status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression does NOT prevent someone from registering as an organ donor.

Why Register to be a Donor?

One donor can save up to 8 lives, restore sight to 2 people through cornea donation, and heal more than 75 lives through tissue donation.

To register your decision to be an organ, eye and tissue donor, visit RegisterMe.org.

For more information about organ, eye, tissue and living donation, visit DonateLife.net.