When you die, what do you want to happen next? It’s a strange question, but registering as an organ donor can help provide an answer.

Depending on the circumstances, your organs could save up to eight lives and improve the well-being of 75 others. It’s a powerful act of generosity, offering a miracle to those who need it most. But is it the right choice for you? Here’s what it truly means to become an organ donor.

What is Organ Donation?

Organ donation is the act of giving an organ or tissue to someone who needs a transplant to survive or improve their quality of life. It is a selfless gesture that can save multiple lives and make a lasting impact on countless families.

Sadly, 20 people die every day while waiting for a transplant, highlighting the urgent need for more registered donors. In fact, more than 100,000 people are on the national transplant list. Commonly donated organs and tissues include the heart, kidneys, liver, lungs, pancreas, corneas, skin, bone, and heart valves.

The Process

Organ donation involves several critical steps to ensure that donated organs are matched with recipients in need. The donation process for deceased individuals is as follows: 

1. Trauma and Life-Saving Efforts — When a medical emergency occurs, teams work to save the life of the patient, regardless of their donor status.
2. Continued Medical Support — Doctors continue life-saving measures, like ventilators and blood transfusions, at the hospital.
3. ICU Transfer — If there’s any improvement, the person is moved to the ICU for further tests to assess brain and organ damage.
4. Declaration of Death — If two doctors confirm brain death, the patient is legally declared dead, and organ donation can be considered.
5. Referral to Organ Procurement Organization (OPO) — The hospital contacts the OPO to evaluate potential organ donation.
6. Authorization — The OPO checks if the person is a registered donor. If not, the family is asked for consent.
7. Finding a Match — The donor’s medical details are entered into a national system to find matching recipients.
8. Organ and Tissue Recovery — Once authorized, a surgical team recovers the organs and tissues, which are then transported to transplant hospitals.
9. Funeral Arrangements — The family can begin funeral arrangements, while the OPO coordinates with funeral directors to honor the donor’s wishes.
10. Follow-up — The OPO informs the family a few weeks later about the organs and tissues that were donated.

Correcting Myths about Organ Donation

Organ donation is surrounded by myths that can discourage people from registering. Here’s the truth: 

1. Myth — Doctors won’t try to save my life if I’m a registered donor.
   Fact — Medical staff are committed to saving your life first. Donation is only considered after every effort to save you has failed. Different medical teams handle lifesaving and organ donation processes.
2. Myth — Rich or famous people get transplants faster.
   Fact — Organ allocation is based on medical urgency, compatibility, and time on the waiting list—not income, status, or fame.
3. Myth — Organ donation disfigures the body.
   Fact — Donation is a surgical procedure performed with care and respect. Donors can still have an open-casket funeral.
4. Myth — Families of donors are charged for donations.
   Fact — There are no costs to donor families during the donation process.
5. Myth — Donation delays funeral plans.
   Fact — Donation typically occurs within 12 to 24 hours and does not significantly delay funerals.
6. Myth — Only young and healthy people can be donors.
   Fact — People of all ages and health histories can potentially donate. Medical evaluation decides suitability.

How to Become a Donor

If you’ve decided organ donor status is right for you, there are two ways to register:

• At the DMV — Next time you renew your driver’s license, select the option to become an organ donor.
• Online — You can sign up through Donate Life California, the state’s official website.

Remember, it’s important to share this decision with loved ones so they’re aware of your wishes. Open conversations ensure your choice is respected. 

Take Charge of Your Health with AltaMed

Whether or not you choose to become an organ donor, it’s essential to protect your health. At AltaMed, you’ll receive coordinated, comprehensive care under one roof, from a team of passionate professionals. We’ve got you covered with services including general care, women’s health, senior care, dentistry, and more. Visit our Getting Started page or call (888) 499-9303.