What Can I Do?

Be a Hero! Be an Organ and Tissue Donor!

More and more Americans need an organ transplant. Our organ shortage is a real crisis. Each of us who donates organs and tissue will save or improve the lives of up to 50 people. Real people like you and me from every walk of life need and receive transplants. Transplant recipients get their lives back when people like you and me donate.

Tell your family and friends:

In many States, families are asked to provide consent before your wish to be an organ and tissue donor will be honored. Talk to all of your loved-ones about your decision. Ask them about theirs.

What Else Can I Do?

If you have a few minutes...

Find out online how to be an organ and tissue donor. Tell your family and friends about your decision. Send an e-card. Sign up for the Colby Foundation’s e-newsletter to stay current. Read Colby’s story and share your personal experience. Watch and tell others about the empowering testimonials. Read and tell others about the stories of hope. Make a tax-deductible contribution to help us continue our work.

If you have a couple of hours...

Schedule a discussion with your family. Print the Organ and Tissue Donation section of this website and share it with them. Show them the link for how to become a donor in your state. Talk to your friends about organ and tissue donation. Ask that they talk to their friends. Learn why minorities, in particular, should consider donation.

If you have several hours…

Request an Organ and Tissue Donation speaker for a community event. Place an article about Organ and Tissue Donation in your community, religious, or workplace newsletter.

If you have a day or more…

Organize an Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness event at your school, place of worship, or other community group. Promote Donation awareness using material available through the US Department of Health and Human Services. Become a Workplace Empowerment partner. Contact your regional Organ Procurement Organization (OPO) to learn how to facilitate a student peer education group at your high school or university.

Anytime:

Contact your local Organ Procurement Organization (OPO) to learn about and participate in local events. Learn about and participate in national events. Contact us if organ and tissue donation has touched your life in some way. Contact us if you graduated from a school of medicine in the U.S. Would your alma mater want to receive an endowment that supports organ and tissue donation curricula?