Donating Organs After Death

Donation Process

Deciding to donate your organs is an enormous gift. The number of available organs from deceased donors is limited, and many people on the organ waiting list die before they can receive one. At Lahey Hospital & Medical Center, we can help you understand how to donate your organs after death.

After your death, you could help save up to 8 lives by donating multiple organs. If you are in an accident and are declared legally dead, and not already registered as an organ donor, a member of the organ procurement organization (OPO) must obtain consent from your family to donate your organs.

After your organ donation, the OPO transports them to the transplant centers of the intended recipients. Once the donated organs are removed, your body is prepared according to your family’s wishes. The donor can still have an open-casket funeral if desired.

Registering as an Organ Donor

You can register to be a donor online or at your local motor vehicle department. Donor registries are a fast and easy way to register your consent for organ and tissue donation. They provide an electronic record of your decision that can be accessed 24/7 in the event of your passing.

Personal information in the donor registry is only accessible to designated donation professionals. The information on the donor registry cannot be shared with or sold to companies or government agencies. Should you die in a manner suitable for donation, your closest next-of-kin will be informed of your donation decision and about the donation process to follow.

Federal regulations require all hospital deaths be reported to the local organ procurement organization. This makes it possible for the National Donate Life registry – as well as state motor vehicle registries – to be checked each and every time a death is referred. We recommend that everyone who registers as a donor talk to their family about their decision to donate.

For more information, visit the New England Donor Services site.