What You Can Donate

When you decide to be an organ and tissue donor, you open up a world of possibilities for others. Someday, because of the choice you make now, someone may be able to see again. Or walk on their own. Or even get a second chance at life with a new heart, liver or other life-saving organ.

Which organs and tissues you can donate

Organs

Tissues

Donteable organ and tissue diagram

Organs

  • HEART

    Provides years of active living
  • LUNGS

    Allow unaided breathing
  • KIDNEY

    Saves patients from dialysys and early death
  • LIVER

    Restores life
  • INTESTINES

    Aid digestion
  • PANCREAS

    Eliminates insulin dependency

Tissues

  • CORNEAS

    Restore sight
  • TENDONS

    Rebuild joints
  • VALVES

    Repair cardiac defects
  • VEINS

    Re-establish circulation
  • SKIN

    Heals burn patients
  • BONES

    Prevent the need for amputation

Organs

Organs that are able to be transplanted are kidneys, heart, lungs, liver, pancreas and the intestines. Organs are allocated based on the donors blood type, height and weight, as well as the condition of the organs. Recovery occurs after medical testing to ensure the organs are safe for transplant.

Tissue

Corneas, skin, heart valves, bone, veins, cartilage, tendons and ligaments can be used to restore sight, heal burns, repair hearts, replace veins, and mend damaged connective tissue and cartilage in recipients. Most people can donate tissue. Unlike organs, it may be possible to donate tissue up to 48 hours after a person has died.