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Why does tissue donation make a difference?
Transplantation is one of the great success stories of modern medicine. Close to 1 million people benefit from tissue donation
each year; a single donor can help hundreds of individuals.
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Bone transplants are used in numerous procedures, and can improve mobility; may even prevent amputation.
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Who can donate?
People of all ages and medical histories have the potential to donate.
Donation will not be considered until all efforts to save the person's life have been taken. The person's medical
condition at the time of death will determine if and what organ and tissues can be donated.
Hospitals, Medical Examiners, and funeral professionals partner with donation organizations to help ensure that
donation options are made available to families.
What tissues may be donated?
- Bone Tissue - for orthopedic and reconstructive treatments
- Heart Valves - to repair defective valves and improve heart function
- Blood Vessels - to restore blood flow; often used for heart bypass, to make continued kidney dialysis possible, to
re-establish circulation in a diabetic's limb, and to repair aneurysms
- Skin Tissue - for burn patients
- Connective Tissue - to increase or restore mobility
How do I become a donor?
American Donor Services believes that becoming a donor is one of the most profound and unselfish acts an individual can do. Ways to
document your intentions is your drivers license, donor registries and advanced directories. The next key step is to share your wishes
with your loved ones.
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Why does tissue donation make a difference?
Transplantation is one of the great success stories of modern medicine. Close to 1 million people benefit from tissue donation
each year; a single donor can help hundreds of individuals.
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A heart valve transplanted in a child can be a life saving treatment.
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Who can give consent for donation?
In many cases, your loved one may have already made his/her wishes known, by signing up as a donor on his/her driver's
license, or by giving an indication in his/her will or health care directive. If the decision to donate has not been
recorded, the decision then becomes that of the loved ones.
What is the religious view of donation?
Many religions view donation as an individual decision, but almost all major religions support donation. It is often
considered a gift; an act of compassion and a means to reduce suffering. If you have any concerns, please consult
your religious advisor.
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The use of human skin grafts can reduce pain and infection and can save the lives of burn patients.
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Are there any costs to our family for donation?
Your family should not incur any costs associated with the tissue donation process. Medical and funeral costs, however, will
remain the family's responsibility.
What are the next steps if we decide to consider tissue donation?
The tissue donation coordinator is required to ask you a series of questions about your loved one's past medical and personal
history; similar to the questions asked when one donates blood. This information is strictly confidential and the right to
privacy is always respected.
What about funeral arrangements?
Tissue donation does not usually interfere with funeral services; open viewing is still possible if so desired. Your loved
one will always be treated with the utmost dignity and respect.
Can our family receive information about the recipients?
An attempt is made to gather general information about the recipients. The reporting of tissue recipient information by
surgeons and hospitals is currently voluntary, thus records are often incomplete. It is usually possible to obtain general
information about the recipients, however specific information may be difficult to obtain and can only be shared
with the recipient's permission.
Home :: Referral Services :: Tissue Donation ~ The Gift :: Things to Consider :: Support Services :: Contact ADS
| American Donor Services, Inc. |
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Minnesota Office
877.365.DON8 (3668)
1285 Nininger Road, Suite 205
Hastings, MN 55033
Email MN Office
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Tennessee Office
901.382.6062
2962 Stage Plaza North
Bartlett, TN 38134
Email TN Office
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