Organ/Tissue Donation

The need for donated tissues and organs is great.

One person dies every hour in the U.S. waiting for an organ donation. More than 80,000 people - nearly 2,500 in Michigan, alone - await donations, with another person added to the waiting list every 13 minutes.

Donated organs refer to a person's heart, liver, pancreas, lungs and kidneys. Tissues refer to donations of skin, bones and veins from the upper and lower legs. Corneas are considered separately. The process to become an organ and tissue donor is relatively simple. It's important to note, though, that in Michigan, the final consent for donations lies with the family, not the individual. Signing the Anatomical Gift Statement on the back of your driver's license is a good first step in becoming a donor. Ultimately, though, your family's wishes will come first, so it is important that you share your wishes with family and friends. For more information about becoming a donor, call the University of Wisconsin Hospital Organ Procurement Service at (608) 263-1341.