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To engage, educate and empower individuals, health care providers and policy makers about ethical issues, values and choices in health and health care.
 
 
 
 
 

 

 

 

 
 
 
Organ Donations
  
 

An average of 13 people die every day awaiting organ transplants because there is a tragic shortage of donated organs and tissues. In order to make a decision about organ and tissue donation you may want to consider the following:

  • Even if you choose to donate organs and tissues after your death, every effort wiil be made to save your life. Organs and tissue donation can be pursued only after these efforts have failed and you are declared dead.
  • These is no disfigurement associated with organ and tissues recovery. You may have an open casket funeral if you wish.
  • There is no charge to the donating family for recovering organs and tissues.
  • Organs are distributed to those awaiting transplant on the basis of matching, medical urgency, time waiting, and in some cases, geographic proximity.
  • Age need not be a consideration in making a donation.
  • It is against the law in the United States to buy or sell organs.

How to Donate
What Organs
Your Family's Role
Helpful Websites

UNIFORM DONOR CARD

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  How To Donate: If you are at least 18 years of age, you may sign and carry a Uniform Donor Card. (Download Card). You may also check and sign the appropriate lines on the back of your Vermont Drivers license. These cards authorize the removal and use of your organs and tissue after your death. If you use the Uniform Donor Card you must sign the card in the presence of 2 witnesses, who must also sign. The Uniform Donor Card is recognized in all 50 states. Please remember to tell your family your wishes.
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  What Organs: Organs needed for transplantation are kidneys, lungs, heart, liver and pancreas. Tissues used for transplantation include eyes/corneas, bone and associated connective tissue, skin, heart valves and cardiovascular tissue.  
  Your Family's Role: Your family will be consulted upon your death prior to the recovery of any organs or tissues. The best way to ensure that your wishes are followed is to talk with them beforehand and make sure they understand your wishes
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Helpful Websites # Telephone Numbers:

New England Organ Bank 1 800-446-6362
Center for Donation and Transplant 1 800 256-7811
Dartmount Medical School's Anatomical Gifts Program
University of Vermont's Anatomical Gift Program
Donor Hotline: 1 800 803-6667
All numbers are answered 24 hours a day.
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