The Donation Process

Donation Process

BE A HERO

Ways to register.

Become an organ, eye and tissue donor today.

Register Online
Complete the BMV’s online form with a valid Ohio driver’s license or state identification card.

Visit the BMV
Say “YES” when you receive or renew your driver’s license or state identification card.

Enroll by Mail
Complete and send in the Donor Registry Form.

From Tragedy to Triumph

One person’s decision to share the gift of life has the power to bring something positive to a tragic situation. It allows someone else to experience the triumph that comes from receiving a second chance at life.

Donation Process

The donation process begins when a hospital contacts the local organ recovery organization, as required by Federal law, to report a death.
The recovery agency coordinator makes an initial evaluation as to the medical suitability of the individual for organ, eye and/or tissue donation.
If the individual is suitable for donation, the recovery agency coordinator will access the Ohio Donor Registry to determine if the decedent was registered as a donor. If the individual is not registered, the coordinator will discuss the option of donation with the individual's next of kin.
Upon obtaining documentation of consent, either by first-person consent (Ohio Donor Registry) or by the individual's family, an appropriate donor match is made.

Eligibility

To be eligible for organ donation, an individual must be declared brain dead and maintained on a ventilator.

In special circumstances, organ donation may be possible following cardiac death. Cornea and tissue donation, on the other hand, take place after either brain death or cardiac death, and ventilator maintenance is not necessary.

Recovery

The recovery of organs is conducted in an operating room under the direction of qualified surgeons, and tissue recoveries are performed in qualified rooms using the strictest rules to minimize infection. An open-casket funeral is possible.

Following organ, cornea and/or tissue recovery, depending on the circumstances of the death, the body is released to the coroner/medical examiner or to the funeral home of the families choice.

Recipient Determination

Organs are matched to recipients through the United Network of Organ Sharing based on body size, blood type, medical urgency and geographic location as it relates to travel time.

When it comes to saving lives, the allocation process does not discriminate on account of race, gender, age, income or any other factor.

Confidentiality

Names and location of the organ and/or tissue recipients are kept confidential, and the identity of the donor is not revealed to the recipients.

About Donate Life Ohio

Donate Life Ohio is a coalition of the state's organ, eye and tissue recovery agencies dedicated to educating Ohioans about the need for organ, eye and tissue donation and motivating them to join the Ohio Donor Registry.

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Donate Life Ohio Resources

Get more information on how you can support donation via speakers, materials, helpful links and more.

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Donation Process

BE A HERO

Ways to register.