About Donation

We all have the power to make the gift of life and health possible for others through organ, eye and tissue donation. Learn more about the need, process and more below!

What can be donated?

Organs

Heart

Lungs

Kidneys

Pancreas

Liver

Intestines

Ocular

Cornea

Sclera

Whole globe

Tissues

Blood Vessels

Bone & Connective Tissue

Heart Valves

Pericardium

Skin

What Can Be Donated?

Organ

Uses

Benefits

Liver

Chronic hepatitis with cirrhosis

Primary biliary cirrhosis

Biliary atresia

Sclerosing cholangitis

A transplant can allow patients to live a normal, fully functioning life after transplant.

Heart

Severe coronary artery disease

Congenital heart disease

Dilated cardiomyopathy

Many heart transplant recipients lead long and productive lives after transplant.

Lungs

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis

Idiopathic pulmonary arterial

Hypertension

After a lung transplant, the majority of recipients have no limitations on physical activity.

Kidneys

Chronic kidney disease

High blood pressure

Diabetes

Kidney transplant eliminates the need for dialysis treatments and more.

Pancreas

Type 1 Diabetes with end-stage renal disease

A pancreas transplant can cure diabetes and eliminate the need for insulin injections after transplant.

Intestines

Life-threatening complications from total parenteral nutrition (TPN)

Intestinal transplant recipients are able to transition to an oral diet and resume normal activities of daily living after transplant.

Tissue

Uses

Benefits

Pericardium

Repair defects caused by trauma

Neurosurgery

Promote healing

Enhance life

Blood Vessels

Saphenous vein

Femoral vein

CABG procedures

Peripheral vascular disease

AV access

Restore circulation

Skin

Burns

Abdominal wall injuries

Reconstructive surgery after mastectomy

Promote healing

Prevent fluid loss

Decrease infection & pain

Bone / Connective Tissue

Femur

Tibia

Fibula

Humerus

Radius

Ulna

Hemi-Pelvis

Fascia lata

Tendons & ligamennts

Trauma

Fractures

Tumors

Degenerative bone disease

Dental surgery

Bladder sling procedures

Hernia repair

Sports injuries

Promote healing

Restore mobility

Prevent amputation

Eyes

Cornea

Sclera

Whole globe

Cornea perforation

Pseudophakic bullous keratopathy

Keratoconus

Corneal degeneration

Corneal scarring due to keratitis & trauma

Restore sight

Heart Valves

Aortic valve

Pulmonary valve

Congenital heart disease

Valvular heart disease

No rejection

No anticoagulation therapy needed

Treatment of choice for children

Low risk of infection

The Donation Process

Tap each step to read more about the donation process:

1. Referral

The donation process begins with a decision. By registering as a heroic donor, we are deciding to save and heal lives. Potential organ donor referrals come from hospitals. Potential tissue donor referrals come from hospitals, medical examiners, funeral homes and law enforcement agencies. Once Nevada Donor Network receives a referral, we begin the medical evaluation process.

2. Evaluation

Nevada Donor Network reviews preliminary information to determine potential donor eligibility.

3. Authorization

Nevada Donor Network will check the registry to confirm whether or night an individual is registered. If they might be registered in another state, we will contact the organ procurement organization (OPO) for that state to check their registry.

4. Family Discussion

If the patient is registered, Nevada Donor Network will talk with legal next of kin to ensure they are aware of their loved one’s wishes, explain the process, answer any questions and provide emotional support. If the patient is not registered, our team will offer the opportunity of donation to the family as required by law. Once authorization is complete, our team will carefully and compassionately walk the family through next steps.

5. Donor Care

In order to determine which organs and tissues may be suitable for transplant, Nevada Donor Network (NDN) will need to complete a detailed medical and social history with assistance from the potential donor hero’s legal next of kin. Once death is declared, NDN assumes care of the heroic donor. Our team conducts tests and maintains organ function with fluids and medications to ensure they remain viable for transplant. Test results are submitted to the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) in order to generate a list of potential recipient matches.

6. Find a Recipient

Nevada Donor Network receives a list of potential matching recipients from the United Network of Organ Sharing (UNOS). The list uses a unique patient ID number to maintain confidentiality of potential recipients. One by one, our team contacts transplant centers for the potential recipients on the list. The recipient’s surgeon has the opportunity to ask questions and then accept or deny the organ. This process continues until all organs are placed.

When it comes to tissue donors, we partner with several tissue banks who work with doctors around the world to share our heroic tissue donor's gifts of healing. Our in-house eye bank helps with giving the gift of sight to those desperately waiting around the world.

7. Recovery

Once organs have been matched with recipients, Nevada Donor Network works with our hospital partners to reserve an operating room. Our team facilitates the recovery and transportation details with organ transplant teams locally and from out of town. Organ recovery is a surgical procedure and heroic donors are treated with the utmost care and respect. If tissue is being donated, recovery must take place within 24 hours of a person’s death. Recovered tissues are then sent to a tissue processor who will prepare these healing gifts for transplant. Our team facilitates transportation to the family’s chosen funeral provider for planned arrangements.

8. Family Support

Several weeks after donation, courageous loved ones receive a letter from Nevada Donor Network (NDN) with brief outcome information about their loved one’s donation. We offer details about various opportunities to honor their loved one, write to recipients and attend a Donor Remembrance Ceremony. NDN proudly provides ongoing support to courageous families after donation through our Aftercare Program.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. If first responders/medical professionals know I’m a registered donor, will they still work as hard to save me?

A. Your life always comes first. If you are sick or injured, the first responders’, doctors’ and nurses’ first priority is always to save your life. Donation is only considered after all life-saving efforts have been exhausted.

Q. Can I donate if I’m older and/or have medical issues?

A. Everyone should consider themselves a potential donor, regardless of age or medical conditions. Each patient is evaluated at the time of death to determine which organs and tissues may be medically suitable for donation.

Q. Will my family have to pay for the medical costs if I am a donor?

A. Your family will never have to pay for costs associated with organ, eye and tissue donation. Costs related to donation are paid by the recipient, usually through insurance, Medicare or Medicaid.

Q. If I donate, will I still be able to have an open casket funeral?

A. Throughout the donation process, heroic donors are treated with the utmost respect and dignity. Organs and tissues are recovered in a surgical procedure and all incisions are closed and dressed. Every effort is made to minimize changes to physical appearance.

Q. How do I know if my religion supports organ, eye and tissue donation?

A. All major organized religions in the U.S. support or encourage organ, eye and tissue donation and view it as a final act of charity or love. Learn more about your religion’s position on donation here.

Q. Do I need to tell my family I registered?

A. Even if you are a registered donor, it is important to share those wishes with your loved ones. Your family may be asked to complete paperwork in order for donation to occur.

Sign Up to Be a Donor

Organ and tissue donation saves lives. Give the gift of life.