Organ, Tissue & Whole Body Donation Additional Resources

National Organizations

OrganDonor.gov

Managed by the U.S. Department of Health Resources and Service Administration, OrganDonor.gov is the official website of the U.S. government providing information about organ donation to professionals and the public. The website has a great deal of information about the donation process and an interactive map where you can access a form to register as an organ donor in your state. 

American Society of Transplantation 

Founded in 1982, the American Society of Transplantation is a professional organization made up of transplant physicians, scientists and other healthcare professionals with an interest in transplantation. In addition to supporting research, professional development and advocacy for transplantation, the organization sponsors a community outreach program, which works to educate the public about the importance of funding transplant research and donating organs. You can find answers to many questions about both deceased and living organ donation on its website Power2Save. 

Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network

A partnership between the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and private industry, OPTN is the national network that oversees transplant systems across the U.S. Its board of directors is responsible for setting national policy governing organ and tissue transplantation, following quality metrics, and monitoring areas of concern within the transplant community.It’s website also has an extensive library of resources for patients and members of the community who wish to learn more about the transplant process or how to become an organ or tissue donor. 

United Network for Organ Sharing 

A nonprofit that operates under contract with the federal government, the United Network for Organ Sharing is a national organization that coordinates transplants across the U.S. The organization is responsible for managing the national transplant waiting list, matching donors to recipients and maintaining a database of all organ transplants that occur in the U.S. The UNOS website has a patient portal where the public can access information about the transplant waiting list, the matching process and more. 

Donate Life America

Donate Life America is a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing the availability of transplantable organs across the U.S. It operates a nationwide education program about the importance of donation and maintains the national Donate Life registry at RegisterMe.org. It’s website also provides an extensive library of information and statistics about organ donation in the U.S.

The American Association of Tissue Banks

The American Association of Tissue Banks is a nonprofit scientific organization that sets standards for the safe use of donated human tissue and provides accreditation for tissue banks throughout the United States. Accredited tissue banks are registered with the FDA and meet AATB standards, which expand on federal regulations around training and competency, safe handling and transport, and on-site safety protocols, including prevention of disease transmission via transplanted tissue. Learn more about tissue donation on the AATB website, or search the AATB database to find an accredited tissue bank in your area. 

Science Care

Science Care is a for-profit entity that accepts donated bodies (whole body donation) for use in medical research, education and training across the globe. Donating a body through Science Care is a no-cost option that includes transportation of the deceased to a Science Care affiliate, cremation of the remains after research is complete and return of the deceased’s ashes to the family within about 3-5 weeks. To learn more about the company or to register as a donor call Science Care at (800) 417-3747.

MedCure

Similar to Science Care, MedCure is a for-profit entity that accepts donated whole bodies for use in research and medical education and training. It, too, is a no-cost program for families. The company arranges for transportation of the remains to one of its four U.S. facilities, assumes the cost of cremation, and returns the person’s ashes to the next of kin within about 16 weeks. To learn more about the program or to pre-register as a donor, contact MedCure at 1-866-560-2525 or email donate@medcure.org.

Family & Financial Support

Children’s Transplant Initiative

Children’s Transplant Initiative is a nonprofit that offers peer support and mentorship to children and families undergoing organ transplantation at Texas Medical Center in Houston, Texas. The initiative also helps families with temporary housing and provides direct financial assistance for out-of-pocket expenses associated with the transplant. Use the contact form on the CTI website to learn more. 

Help Hope Live

Help Hope Live is a nonprofit fundraising organization that helps patients and families raise money for medical care, including out-of-pocket costs associated with organ transplantation. The organization maintains control over the funds raised and pays bills directly to care providers, so the patients and their families can concentrate on getting well. According to its website, it has helped raise over $135 million for patients in need since its inception in 1986. It has a four-star rating with Charity Navigator, which reports that over 85% of money raised goes to the patients and families it supports.

National Kidney Foundation

The National Kidney Foundation is a nonprofit organization that addresses all aspects of chronic kidney disease, including ongoing research, advocacy, and patient/family support. Founded in 1950, it has been helping those afflicted with chronic kidney disease and those awaiting or undergoing transplant for over 70 years. The NKF offers a number of online support services, including a free information helpline, peer mentoring programs, and online communities for patients undergoing treatment for renal disease. Find these resources and more at the NKF website section Treatment and Support. 

American Liver Foundation

The American Liver Foundation is a national research, education and advocacy group that provides resources to the public about liver disease and its treatment, including liver transplantation. Its Phil Scarfo Liver Resource Center offers information on clinical trials, a physician locator, a video library and a number of  brochures and educational articles as well as access to online support groups for people living with liver disease. ALF also offers a free  telephone helpline Monday through Friday from 9am – 5pm ET at 1-800-465-483,  and 24-7 live chat on its website. 

Local Organizations

University of California Health 

The University of California is a known recipient of whole body donations in the State of California. The UC Anatomical Donation Program is comprised of five of the University of California’s six schools of Medicine at Davis, Irvine, Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco. These locations serve as collection and preparation sites for anatomical materials and services that advance scientific research and education among health professionals during residencies. Registration forms can be requested online or downloaded from the UC location nearest you.