Understand organ donation

A part of you.
A possibility for someone else.

Living donation can mean donating a kidney or part of your liver while you are alive. Learning about it is a first step, not a commitment.

Looking to register as a donor after death? That’s a separate decision. Find your official donor registry.

Start with understanding

Make room for
your questions.

A transplant hospital evaluates whether donation is suitable for you. Its team can explain the medical and personal considerations.

Donation involves surgery and possible short- and long-term risks. Recovery, time away from work, and other costs also deserve a careful conversation.

You can ask questions and take time to consider your options.

Read HRSA’s living donation guide
  1. Learn about your options

    You may be able to donate to someone you know or someone you have never met.

  2. Contact a transplant hospital

    A living donor team can explain its process and answer your questions.

  3. Complete an evaluation

    Evaluation includes health screenings, medical history, and discussions about your support and circumstances.

  4. Understand surgery & recovery

    Discuss risks, recovery needs, and follow-up with the team before making a decision.

Reliable information, directly from the source

Keep learning.

Where should I start?

HRSA’s living donation overview explains eligibility, evaluation, risks, and financial considerations.

How can I find a transplant program?

The Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients provides a searchable directory of transplant centers and program reports.

What if I’m not ready to decide?

Take your time. Reading official resources and bringing questions to a medical professional can help you understand what matters for you.

Educational summary based on HRSA’s Living Organ Donation guide , accessed September 8, 2026. ODAP does not provide individual medical advice.

Your next step can mean everything.

Make more life possible.

Become a donor