Donation facts

• Anyone can be a potential donor regardless of age, race or medical history.

• In most states, including California, residents can sign up to become donors at a driver’s license office or by registering online. Californians can sign up online at https://www.donateLIFEcalifornia.org or https://www.doneVIDAcalifornia.org

• A single donor can save seven lives by donating the heart, liver, pancreas, two kidneys and two lungs, and improve several more by donating tissue and corneas.

• Organ waiting lists are based on the severity of illness, time spent waiting, blood type, and other important medical information. Last year, 6,683 people died while awaiting a life-saving organ transplant, an average of 18 men, women and children a day. More than 28,000 organ transplants were performed last year, but 109,000 people are still on waiting lists.

• An open casket funeral is possible for organ, eye and tissue donors.

• There is no cost to donors or their families for organ or tissue donation.

Source: Donate Life America (https://www.donatelife.net or 804-782-4920).