Top Benefits of Organ and Tissue Donation

Organ and tissue donations save lives. Each year, Americans receive more than 20,000 organ and 450,000 tissue transplants. In many cases, recipients who were near death go on to lead full and productive lives.

Organ and tissue donation helps bring closure to grieving families. Several studies have shown that knowing that a loved one's death was able to help others live fuller lives serves as a great comfort in a time of sorrow.

Although many people are reluctant to register as organ and tissue donors because of their religious beliefs, all major religious denominations in the United States support donation. In fact, many consider it to be a final act of charity or neighborly love.

Top Register Online, By Mail, or In Person

In Person

You can add your name to the state's donor registry when you apply for or renew your Missouri driver's license or state ID card.

The Missouri Department of Revenue works with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services to add new participants and update the contact information of those who are currently listed in the registry. There is no cost to be included on the organ donor registry and the information will be kept confidential.

You can also write your choices on the back of your license. There is a space to designate which organs you would like to donate. Be sure to sign and date this notation in front of two witnesses.

Online

Register online with the Missouri Organ Donor Registry by following the instructions provided.

By Mail

Complete the donor application and mail or fax it to the address or number listed on the form.

Top Important Information

The registry was created in 1996 to keep track of the names of potential organ and tissue donors. Make sure your family is aware of your decision because they family have the final approval on your donation following your death.

Even if you've already discussed this issue with your family, adding your name to the organ donor registry helps to reinforce your commitment, and reduces confusion at the time of your death.

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