The Basics for Becoming An Organ Donor In Norwalk, California
When someone dies, they still have a chance to help someone live. Many organ donations are made through willing decedents who sign permissions and agreements to post-humously donate their organs to those who need them.
That said, here's a quick guide on becoming an organ donor (while you're alive) in Norwalk, California.
How Does Organ Donation Work?
While there are no limits on signing up for organ donation other than parental agreement for children, this does not guarantee that any or all of your organs will be recoverable after your death.
Because time is a limiting factor, only around 1% of hospital fatalities result in organ donation. Most organs are only healthy for a limited period of time after death, and their donation follows a stringent procedure.
Before a hospital can transfer a deceased individual to an Organ Procurement Organization (OPO) for review, two doctors (who are not involved in organ transplantation) must certify the donor's brain dead
If the donor fits the donation criteria, their family will be notified and requested permission to proceed with the surgery. The next person on the organ transplant waiting list will be contacted once the family has given their consent.
Being an organ donor has no bearing on your funeral plans; your family can still pick an open casket ceremony and will not have to wait any longer for your service.
That said, becoming an organ donor is one of the many ways you can prepare for life before you die. You can also work with a Norwalk Estate Planning Lawyer in California for wills, inheritance, and other final arrangements to ensure everything is sorted out before you die.
How to Register As An Organ Donor In Norwalk, California?
Surprisingly enough, it's actually quite easy to become an organ donor in Norwalk, California. You only need to declare permission or approval to become an organ donor while you're alive.
Here are the most common ways people become organ donors:
When renewing or applying for a driver's license in California, sign up as an organ donor at the DMV. When asked if you wish to be an organ donor, you have to mark "Yes" on your application.
Following that, you'll be handed a donor card to keep in your wallet and a pink organ donor sticker to put on your driver's license.
Register as a donor on the Donate Life California Organ and Tissue Donor Registry website. You'll be required to provide some identifying information on the website, such as your name, date of birth, address, and a portion of your social security number.
Becoming an organ donor is quick, easy, and absolutely free regardless of how you sign up. You should never have to pay a charge or experience discrimination because of your ethnicity, sexuality, income, or age.
However, if you're under the age of 18, it will require the final agreement of a parent or legal guardian.
Bottom-line
That said, becoming an organ donor is a personal choice. You get consent to something while you're able to make a valid decision.
Just make sure that you make the declaration now, while it can still go on the record.
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