You have the power to Donate Life!

20 people Every day nearly 20 people will die waiting for a life-saving organ transplant. The national waiting list has grown to 100,000 people more than 100,000 people. 8 people One organ donor can save the lives of up to 8 people. over 75 people One tissue donor can enhance the lives of over 75 people.

The Indiana Organ Procurement Organization, IOPO IOPO, is the vital link between people waiting for a transplant and those who decide to donate life.

IOPO Family Service Coordinators provide support for grieving families and are trained to address their questions and concerns in a sensitive and caring manner.

IOPO’s organ and tissue professionals will evaluate each potential donor for medical suitability at the time of death.

The Donation Process The donation process begins when an individual makes a decision to be an organ and tissue donor. Hospitals refer patient deaths to IOPO. IOPO professionals provide support for the family and explain the donation process.

The Donation Process The organ donor’s information is submitted to UNOS, the United Network of Organ Sharing, to be matched with potential recipients. Transplant surgeons and professionals perform the recovery and transplant surgeries.

Types of Donors

Brain Death Brain death occurs as a result of severe trauma to the head or lack of oxygen to the brain. The body remains on a ventilator to artificially maintain organ function and tissue health. Brain death is irreversible, not like a coma.

Brain Death What can be donated after brain death? OrgansTissues Heart Lungs Pancreas Liver Kidneys Small intestine Tendons Veins Skin Heart valve Corneas Bone

Cardiac Death Cardiac death occurs when the heart stops beating.

Cardiac Death What can be donated after cardiac death? In a controlled hospital setting, the kidneys, liver and pancreas (and in rare cases the heart and lungs) can be donated for transplant immediately following cardiac death. Tendons Veins Skin Heart Valve Corneas Bone OrgansTissues

Living Donation What can a living donor give? OrgansTissues Kidney Liver Lobe Lung Lobe Bone Marrow Blood A person who is still alive and well may decide to donate organs or tissue to benefit a loved one, or even a complete stranger in need. Skin

11 Some people have concerns about donation! Know the whole truth about organ and tissue donation!

saving your life When you go to the hospital for treatment, doctors focus on saving your life, not sacrificing you to save someone else.

It is illegal to buy and sell organs in the United States. Public Law prohibits the sale of human organs.

A donor’s family is not charged for donation. All medical costs associated with organ and tissue recovery are billed to IOPO.

or choose to leave it to the individual to decide With the lone exception of Shinto, All organized religions either: support donation, typically considering it the ultimate act of kindness and compassion

Register your decision to Donate Life! At the BMV when you get your driver’s license, learner’s permit or state ID card. Online at

Talk to your family about your decision! Until an individual is 18, a parent or guardian must also provide consent at the time of death for donation to take place. People of all ages can register their donation decision. Indiana law allows people under 18 to register their donation decision with the permission of their parent or guardian.

Please take this information home and share it with your family! Your teacher may also provide a brochure from IOPO to help you start a family discussion. iopo.org Visit iopo.org orDonateLifeIndiana.org to learn more!