Answers to Your Questions

 

Q: Why should I join the Nebraska Organ Donor Registry?
A: Almost 100,000 people are waiting for an organ transplant in the United States. Without a life-saving transplant, these people will die. One organ donor can save up to 8 lives, and enhance up to 60 more through tissue donation.

Q: Who can be an organ donor?

A: People of all ages and medical backgrounds can be an organ donor. Your medical condition at the time of your death will determine your eligibility to become a donor. You are never too old, or too young to be a donor!

Q: I'm under 18, can I still be a donor?

A: You can register to be a donor when you get your drivers license. However, until you turn 18, your parents can still override that decision. Upon your 18th birthday, your wishes become first person consent and your family is no longer able to override your decision to donate.

Q: Is there a cost to donate?

A: No. There is no cost to a donor family to donate their loved ones organs.

Q: Can I still have an open casket funeral?

A: Yes. Donation will not disfigure a body, or delay funeral arrangements.

Q: Will my religion approve of donation?

A: Most major U.S. religions approve of donation and consider it the ultimate act of giving. Learn more »

Q: How do I sign up on the Nebraska Donor Registry?

A: You can register when you renew your drivers license and a small red heart will appear on your license. Or you can register online.

Q: If I choose to be a donor, will I still receive proper medical care?

A: Yes. Choosing to be a donor will not affect the quality of medical care that you receive. The agencies in Nebraska that recover organs and tissues are independent and are not involved in the medical care that is received prior to death. Choosing to become an organ and/ or tissue donor does not affect the care provided. Donation is not explored until after death occurs.

Q: What can be donated?

A: The organs that can be donated are: Heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, pancreas, and small intestine. One organ donor can potentially save 7 lives. Tissues that are recovered in Nebraska are bone, tendon, connective tissue, heart valves, and corneas. One tissue donor can enhance the lives of up to 60 people.

Q: Is there a need for minorities to donate?

A: Yes. The chance of a transplant being more successful for a minority patient increases if the donor and recipient are from the same ethnic background.