Bridge Beyond

Organ Donation

Often when someone dies, there is an opportunity to save someone else's life by making a body or artificial body part donation. Many bereaved families take comfort in the knowledge that the death of their loved one has helped others to live. This is an opportunity to change someone else's life by giving the gift of life. Others have taken another route and chosen to give for medical education or research.

Because organs and tissues are removed in procedures similar to surgery, and all incisions are closed at the conclusion of the surgery, an open casket funeral is possible after donation. Unlike organs, tissues can be donated up to 24 hours after a person's heart has stopped beating.

Medically, great strides have been made within the past several years. Bones are being used for the delicate rebuilding of facial structure in crash victims, donated skin tissue is being used to help burn victims, donated corneas help people to see, and organ transplants (liver, heart, kidney, etc) save lives everyday.

This is a very personal decision. Take some time and feel free to discuss it with your family, religious leader, or friends. Ask yourself a few questions.

Would you or your loved one be willing to donate:

A pacemaker, an artificial limb or joint?
Organs, tissue or even their entire body?

Organ Donation - It's a Personal Decision

Making the decision to donate tissue, organs, or body is a personal decision. Is the decision to donate tissue, organs or entire body compatible with your religious beliefs?

If you choose to become a donor, please:

Make your wishes known to your family or next of kin. This is very important as often someone's desire to be a donor is discovered when it's too late (once cremation or embalming has taken place).
Carry a Donor Card
Indicate this wish on your driver's license
Include your wishes in your living will and written funeral plans

Helpful Links

For more information, we have included some links: