People of all ages and medical histories should consider themselves potential donors. Your medical condition at the time of death will determine what organs and tissues can be donated.

Althought donation and transplantation can take place successfully between individuals from different racial or ethinic groups, transplant success is often better when organs are matched between people of the same racial or ethinic background. People of African American, Asian/Pacific Islander, Hispanic/Lation, American Indian/Alaska Native and multiracial descent currently make up nearly 58% of individuals on the national organ donation transplant waiting list. These communities are in great need of more organ and tissue donors.

No! Actually, the donor dot on your license only represents that you are a donor in your registered state. Therefore, only those within your state can receive your organs which greatly restricts the chance to helpful someone outside of your state lines.

Your life ALWAYS comes first. Doctors work hard to save every patient's life. However, once a patient is declared clinically and legally dead, only then is donation an option.

Yes! All major religions support donation as a final act of compassion and generosity.

No. A national system matches available organs from the donor with people on the waiting list based on blood type, body size, how sick they are, donor distance, tissue type and time on the list. Race, gender, celebrity and social status are never considered.

No, there is no cost to the donor's family or estate for donation. The donor family pays only for medical expenses before death and costs associated with funeral arrangements.

An open casket funeral is possible for organ, eye and tissue donors. Through the entire donation process the body is treated with complete care and respect. Funeral arrangements can continue as planned following a donation.