FAQs
Facts
Anyone has the opportunity to become a donor regardless of age, ethnicity, or medical history. Medical suitability is determined at the time of death.
When admitted to a hospital, all efforts to save one’s life are performed, and only after death is donation considered. There is no conflict between lifesaving measures and donation. Hospitals do not have access to donor registries to check for donor registration, nor do they make any determination as to whether someone is able to donate. Life Alaska and LifeCenter Northwest determine donation suitability only after all life saving measures have been performed.
The severity of the illness, time spent waiting, blood type, and other important medical information determine allocation of organs for transplantation. Financial status or celebrity status does not contribute or play a role in allocation.
There is no cost to the donor or their family for organ, eye, or tissue donation.
National Organ Transplant Act of 1984 (NOTA) prohibits buying and selling of organs and tissues. According to the Uniform Anatomical Gift Act of 1984; human organs, eyes or tissue cannot be bought or sold in the U.S. and violators are subject to fines and imprisonment.
Just one organ, eye and tissue donor can save or improve the lives of over 100 recipients. That precious gift of donation also affects the recipients’ circle of family and friends.