Donor Information

The Basics About Organ and Tissue Donation

The Donate Life Northwest program aims to save and enhance people's lives through organ and tissue donations.

The program benefits children, women, and men needing organ or tissue transplants in Oregon and Southwest Washington, with educational activities aimed at increasing the number of Oregon donors.

Responding to the state's nearly 2,000 people waiting for organ transplants, Donate Life Northwest also promotes collaboration among organ and tissue procurement agencies, and provides the public current information on organ and tissue donation.

Donating won't cost you or your family anything. All major U.S. religious organizations support organ and tissue donation. Donating won't alter or delay funeral plans; open-casket funerals are still possible. Those who are elderly or have health problems can still be donors; each case is individually analyzed at the time of death.

Register Online, By Mail, or In Person

When you go to your local Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) facility to apply for or renew your license, permit, or state ID card, the DMV can add a donor code to your document, indicating your desire to become a donor. You'll just need to sign and complete the donor application.

Or, register online through Donate Life Northwest. It's a quick process; just follow the instructions given. You can even use their online service to modify or change your registry information.

When you sign up through the DMV, you can't specify what you'd like to donate (if you have a preference). You can do so when you register online, however.

To register by mail, call (503)494-7888 or (800)452-1369 and ask that an application be mailed to you. Then, return the completed application to the address listed on the form.

You must be at least 15 years old to register by any of the above methods. If you're at least 13, you can register online.

Additional Information

Donate Life Northwest is a 501 nonprofit organization and member of the National Coalition on Donation. For more information, visit their Web site.