Frequently Asked Questions About Donation
Often yes. Many conditions don’t rule out donation; each organ and tissue is evaluated individually.
Never. Your care team’s only priority is saving your life; they do not access your registry status.
Yes. Donation is a respectful surgical procedure.
No. Lifebanc or the local OPO covers donation-related costs.
In Ohio, your registration documents your legal wishes. Families are treated with compassion, and your decision is honored.
A national system matches by medical urgency, blood type, size, compatibility, and location.
No. Allocation is federally regulated and based only on medical criteria.
Nearly all major religions support or permit donation as an act of charity and love.
Organ and tissue donation saves and heals lives now; body donation supports research/education and follows different rules.
Brain death is the legal declaration of death while circulation is maintained artificially; DCD (donation after circulatory death) occurs after the heart stops and death is declared.
Teens can document intent; parental consent is required until age 18.
Use the Ohio Donor Registry to change your status anytime.
Identities are confidential. Families may exchange letters; meetings sometimes occur if both sides agree.
Yes. We offer bereavement services at no cost and coordinate correspondence between families and recipients.
Recovery is coordinated promptly so services proceed on schedule.