Donated organs — from deceased donors or living donors. Anyone can become an organ donor, no matter your age. Your medical condition at the time of death will determine what organs and tissue can be donated.

For nearly four decades, the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) has been the central hub of a complex and interconnected network of patients, hospitals, insurance companies and the federal government comprising the nation’s organ donation and transplantation system.

Learn what and when you can donate, how organ donors match to organ recipients, and how the transplant process works.

Learn how organ donation saves lives and how you can register to become an organ, eye, and tissue donor. Find resources, useful frequently asked questions and moving stories from organ recipients.

Oct 11, 2023 · Organ donation and transplantation allows a deceased or living donor to give life to another. Surgeons remove a healthy organ from a donor who doesn’t need it and transfer it to someone else who does. Organs that they can transplant include the liver, kidney, heart, lungs and more. What is organ donation and transplantation?

Many have questioned whether the U.S. should move to an opt-out donation system (aka presumed consent) like many countries have. Is it a simple decision? Would it really increase donation?

Feb 27, 2025 · The panelists from the conference — two transplant surgeons and a researcher with the United Network for Organ Sharing, the nonprofit federal contractor that oversees the U.S. transplant system ...

Learn these facts to better understand organ, eye and tissue donation. Who decides who gets a donated organ? Fact: A national computer system and strict standards are in place to ensure ethical and fair distribution of organs. Organs are matched by blood and tissue typing, organ size, medical urgency, waiting time and geographic location.

The basic path of organ donation. The donation process begins with a decision. You decide you want to help people with end-stage disease by donating your organs when you die. People most frequently become donors following a stroke, heart attack …

Find statistical data on organ donation. Learn how many people are waiting for a transplant, who receives organs, and what organs are most needed.