DONATION: A CRITICAL NEED
An organ donor can save the lives of up to 8 people facing from dire illness, while a tissue donor may save or enhance the lives of as many as 50 people. Californians can register their wishes with the state-authorized Donate Life California Registry at www.donateLIFEcalifornia.org.
Donation in the African American Community
The Black community is in desperate need for African American organ and tissue donors. Find out more.
Benefits of Organ and Tissue Transplantation
| Organs/Tissue | How a Transplant Can Help |
| Bones | Can help avoid amputation of a limb. |
| Corneas | Restore sight to the blind or near blind. |
| Heart |
Allows proper pumping of blood and oxygen through the body. Helps patients with cardiomyopathy, heart disease and cystic fibrosis. |
| Heart Valves | Only treatment for babies in need of a heart valve. |
| Kidneys |
Eliminates the need for dialysis by allowing the body to filter wastes and excess fluid from the body. Helps patients with end stage renal failure, diabetes and hypertension. |
| Liver |
Allows the body to filter medications and toxins, metabolize carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Helps patients with end stage liver failure, cirrhosis, liver disease and metabolic diseases. |
| Lungs |
Allow the body to intake oxygen and remove carbon dioxide from the bloodstream. Help patients with cardiomyopathy, coronary artery disease, cystic fibrosis and hypertension. |
| Pancreas |
Allows the body to secrete insulin to break down sugar in blood. Helps patients with diabetes. |
| Skin | Helps burn patients heal and resist infection. |
| Small Intestine | Helps patients with short gut syndrome. |
| Tendons | Allow people to move and walk without pain. |
| Veins | Improve circulation and prevents loss of limbs. |