Donation FAQs

Did you know one person can save eight lives through organ donation, and heal another 75 through tissue donation? YOU can have an immense impact on the lives of others.

The organ, eye and tissue recovery is performed by trained surgeons and medical personnel, most often in a hospital operating room, but sometimes in a specialized facility.  When the recovery is complete, all incisions are closed, much as they would be following surgery.

Afterward, the body is released to the funeral home or mortuary of the family’s choice, as would have been the case had donation not been an option. There, the full range of funeral options is open to donors, including open-casket viewings, funeral, and memorial services, or cremation. Some donors even arrange for their remains to be donated to science through a whole-body program. The donor is always treated with the utmost respect and dignity.

The organ recovery process usually takes 24 to 36 hours after your loved one has died. If your family has time considerations regarding the viewing or funeral, please let our staff know so the process can be adjusted to meet your family’s needs.

You can stay as long as you want. However, we may ask you to step out of the room when a procedure is performed, such as a chest X-ray or drawing blood. You may continue to visit your loved one during hospital visiting hours. If you need to leave the hospital, our staff can arrange to notify you of the progress of the donation.

Yes. A meeting is possible if both parties agree. STA helps to facilitate this process. Learn More

No. The donor’s family pays for medical care prior to organ and tissue recovery, and for funeral expenses. They do not pay any of the costs associated with donation. (NOTE: It is prohibited by law for OPOs or any other entity to provide payment or financial incentive for donated organs or tissues.)