A person must pass away in a hospital on a ventilator in order for his or her organs to be medically suitable for donation.

Brain death, due to a stroke or traumatic injury, is often the cause of death that makes someone eligible for organ donation, though this is not always the case. In some instances, organs can be donated after cardiovascular death. Brain death is irreversible and legally-determined death.

Hospitals are required by federal law to notify the appropriate organ recovery organization of a potential donor. Doctors and other clinical staff do everything possible to save your life. If they don’t, they could lose their license to practice medicine. You will only be considered a potential organ donor after all lifesaving measures have been exhausted.

Donated organs are matched with recipients based on several medical factors, such as blood type, organ size, severity of need and distance from the recipient’s transplant center. Race, social background, economic status or celebrity status are never considerations in organ transplants.

After a donor’s organs have been recovered, his or her body is released to a funeral home or mortuary service based on the family’s preferences. In most cases, the full range of funeral services is available after organ donation, including open-casket viewings and cremation. STA will also collaborate with willed body programs if you have registered with them.

A recent study by STA showed that 94% of adults in our service area support donation. All major religions in the United States support organ and tissue donation and view it as a final act of love and generosity.

The donor’s family pays for medical care prior to organ and tissue recovery and for funeral expenses. They do not pay any of the costs associated with donation.