Organ and Tissue Donor Program

Currently, more than 90,000 people nationwide await lifesaving organ transplants and many more will require a tissue transplant. Yet, many of them – almost 7,000 – will die this year because of a critical shortage.

You now have an opportunity to consider donating life through organ & tissue donation. You should know that:

• Anyone can be a potential donor, regardless of race or medical history. If you are under 18 years old, you need parental consent.
• It costs nothing to donate.
• All major religions support donation.
• Signing a donor card or having a donor designation on your license will not affect the quality of health care you receive. If you are sick or injured and admitted to the hospital, the first priority of any health care provider is to save your life.
• People receive transplants based on factors like matched blood type, body size, critical need and how long they’ve been waiting.
• Donation does not interfere with funeral or burial arrangements.

IF YOU DECIDE TO DONATE, HERE’S HOW TO MAKE YOUR WISHES KNOWN:

• LICENSE DESIGNATION: Most importantly, ask the DMV to put the donor designation on your license.
• DONOR CARD: Sign a card and carry it with you. You can get a donor card from the New England Organ Bank at the number listed below.
• In addition to any of these methods, BE SURE to tell your family about your decision to donate.

For more information, contact the New England Organ Bank at 1-800-446-6362 or www.neob.org.

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