The Health Resources and Services Administration’s (HRSA) Health Systems Bureau (HSB) developed a set of English and Spanish language materials on living organ donation. It includes web content, donor and recipient fact sheets, videos, and an infographic.
We designed these materials to raise awareness. They describe the benefits, risks, and considerations that come with living organ donation.
Organ donation professionals, people working in public outreach, and people interested in living donation can use these materials to learn more and educate others.
What is living donation?
A living donation takes place when a person who is alive donates part of their liver, kidney, or certain other organs and tissues. Doctors transplant their organ into someone who needs it.
Is living donation safe?
Living donation is typically safe for the donor. A donor’s hospital stay is between two and five days after donation. They resume normal activities within a few weeks. Most living donors go on to live active, healthy lives and can see the positive impact of their donation.
Why is living donation important?
About 6,500 living donation transplants take place each year, but more than 100,000 people are waiting for an organ transplant. More than 95% of people on the National Transplant Waiting List need a kidney or part of a liver. These are organs living people can donate. Unlike deceased organ donors, living organ donors can choose who to donate their organs to. This shortens recipients’ wait time for a transplant.
How can I learn more and help others?
Download and share these living organ donation outreach materials today.
What does HSB do?
HSB manages the nation’s Organ Donation and Transplantation program. This program works to extend and enhance the lives of people with end-stage organ failure. An organ transplant is the most appropriate treatment for these people.