How to Become a Donor

Tell your family your decision

You should also indicate your intent to become an organ/tissue donor on your driver's license or on a signed donor card, but these methods do not guarantee you will become a donor.

In the case of organ and tissue donation, the best thing you can do it TELL YOUR FAMILY your wishes -- now. That's because, after your death, your family will be asked for permission to donate. And if they know your wishes now, they will be better prepared to honor your request.

Attached is an application for a donor card from The Living Bank. A non-profit organization that charges no fees for its services, The Living Bank has operators on call around the clock to advise donors and their families about organ/tissue donation. The Living Bank also provides quarterly informational newsletters to donors.

For more information about organ/tissue donation, contact The Living Bank at 1-800-528-2971.

The organ and tissue shortage is a crisis, but it is a crisis with a cure. Remember, the only way your family will know your decision is if you tell them.

Text by Steve Barnill & Company, Inc. Houston, Texas.

Funded in part by a grant from The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel Foundation.