Of Human Interest...

October 2026 / on Organ & Tissue donation. The need for organs is continuing to grow. There are currently 109,817 people on the national organ transplant list in the US as of July 30, 2026. The figure comes from the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) which maintains the official US database of transplant candidates. Americans waiting to receive lifesaving organ transplants. Every 13 minutes, someone else’s name is added to the national waiting list and each day 17 people die who are waiting for a transplant.

How does one become an organ donor?

Making your intentions to become an organ donor on your driver’s license or state ID will ensure that your wishes are fulfilled. Also talk to your family about your decision. Although marking “yes” on your driver’s license is the legal expression of your wishes to donate, sharing the decision with family members is a good way to double ensure that your plans are carried out.

What can be donated?

Organs: heart, kidneys, pancreas, lungs, livers, and intestines.

Tissue: cornea, skin, bone marrow, heart valves, and connective tissue.

Who can be a donor?

Just about anybody. People of all ages (individuals under 18 must have a parent or guardian consent) and medical conditions are eligible to donate. All people should consider themselves possible donors, even if they have doubts. A patient’s medical condition at the time of death determines what organs and tissues might be donated.

What are the benefits of organ and tissue donations?

For the people who receive organs, a transplant is often a matter of life or death - by receiving a new organ, people are given a new promise at living. One donor can save up to 8 people, and can also help the lives of more than 40 others who suffer from vision problems, burns, and bone defects.

Will my family have to pay for my organ donation?

No. All of the expenses related to organ & tissue donations are assumed by Life Source and passed on to the organ transplant recipients and their health insurers.

Do the rich or famous have a better chance at getting an organ transplant than someone who isn’t well off?

No. Every person waiting for an organ transplant is registered with the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS). When a family gives permission for organ donation, UNOS runs a computerized list of potential recipients in order to find a “match.” Organs are fairly distributed based on factors such as medical urgency, compatible blood and tissue type, body size, and the length of time on the waiting list.

If I donate my organs, will my body be disfigured? Can I still have an open casket funeral?

Donation will not interfere with having a funeral, including an open casket.