Donating your organs after you die could help save someone else’s life, but this is a decision you don’t just make overnight, which is why it’s important to have all the facts at hand. Firstly, who can be an organ donor?

According to OrganDonor.gov, anyone who is over the age of 18 can become an organ donor and in some states, people under the age of 18 can indicate their commitment to becoming an organ donor by signing up. There are reportedly no age limits for those who can donate, and everyone from newborns to senior citizens is potentially eligible, as it’s the conditions of your organs, not your age, that is taken into consideration.

If you are interested in becoming an organ donor you can register online in your state, or sign up with the motor vehicle office. Most states give you the option to choose which organs and tissues you want to donate, or you can donate everything which can be used (eight vital organs can be donated, as well as bone marrow and stem cells, umbilical cord blood, peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC), and tissues such as skin, blood vessels, connective tissue, heart valves, cornea, and bone).

This is also not a lifetime commitment, and if you change your mind after signing up you can always change your status. But, becoming an organ donor can potentially save dozens of lives. According to Seattle Children’s Hospital, one donation can save eight lives and improve the lives of more than 50 people by helping to improve eyesight, damaged tissues, and vital functions.

Choosing to become an organ donor does not cost you or your family anything, and all costs that will incur in the donation are covered by the recipient's insurance.

Most organ donations happen after death, but adults can also be living donors. What this means is that some people can choose to donate a kidney or a piece of their liver to those in need, while still alive. According to Future of Personal Health, almost 6,000 lives are saved every year by living liver and kidney donors.

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