Frequently Asked Questions About Donation
These organ donation FAQs answer the questions we hear most often from people across Northeast Ohio. If you want the full picture first, start with how donation works, from hospital referral to recovery and aftercare. Then see what can be donated - organs, corneas, skin, bone, heart valves, and more. And if something you have heard still worries you, our myths and facts page separates common misconceptions from the truth.
AM I TOO OLD TO BE A DONOR?
No. Suitability is determined at the time of death; even 100 year old adults have donated.
I HAVE HEALTH ISSUES. CAN I STILL DONATE?
Often yes. Many conditions don’t rule out donation; each organ and tissue is evaluated individually.
WILL BEING A REGISTERED DONOR AFFECT MY MEDICAL CARE?
Never. Your care team’s only priority is saving your life; they do not access your registry status.
CAN MY FAMILY STILL HAVE AN OPEN-CASKET FUNERAL?
Yes. Donation is a respectful surgical procedure.
WILL MY FAMILY HAVE TO PAY FOR DONATION?
No. Lifebanc or the local OPO covers donation-related costs.
CAN MY FAMILY OVERRULE MY DECISION?
In Ohio, your registration documents your legal wishes. Families are treated with compassion, and your decision is honored.
HOW ARE ORGANS MATCHED?
A national system matches by medical urgency, blood type, size, compatibility, and location.
DO WEALTHY OR FAMOUS PEOPLE GET ORGANS FIRST?
No. Allocation is federally regulated and based only on medical criteria.
WHAT ABOUT MY RELIGION?
Nearly all major religions support or permit donation as an act of charity and love.
CAN PEOPLE WITH CANCER OR INFECTIONS DONATE?
Some conditions exclude certain gifts; others may still be usable. Safety is decided case-by-case.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ORGAN/TISSUE DONATION AND WHOLE-BODY DONATION?
Organ and tissue donation saves and heals lives now; body donation supports research/education and follows different rules.
WHAT IS BRAIN DEATH VS. DCD?
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.
CAN MINORS REGISTER?
Teens can document intent; parental consent is required until age 18.
HOW DO I UPDATE OR REVOKE MY REGISTRATION?
Use the Ohio Donor Registry to change your status anytime.
WILL I KNOW WHO RECEIVED THE ORGANS?
Identities are confidential. Families may exchange letters; meetings sometimes occur if both sides agree.
DOES LIFEBANC SUPPORT FAMILIES AFTER DONATION?
Yes. We offer bereavement services at no cost and coordinate correspondence between families and recipients.
DOES DONATION DELAY FUNERAL PLANS?
Recovery is coordinated promptly so services proceed on schedule.