Did you know that right now more than 100,000 people are waiting for a life-saving transplant? At LifeSource, we’re on a mission to ensure that everyone in need gets a second chance at life.
Learn how the donation process works, how organs are matched between donors and recipients, and the support provided to donor families if there’s an opportunity for donation.
LifeSource is a special, federally-designated, nonprofit medical organization responsible for managing the organ donation process. Our team of medical professionals has been saving lives and honoring the decisions of donors for more than 35 years. As one of only 55 organ procurement organizations, or OPOs, in the United States, we are responsible for:
Every day I wake up and I’m thankful for my donor and my donor’s family. I’m still here and hoping to live another 40 years because of them.
Ben Williams, Kidney Recipient and former NFL Player
Organ procurement organizations (OPOs) were created by the federal government in 1984 to act as an independent intermediary in the organ donation process between hospitals and transplant centers. As a result, this has separated the responsibility from hospitals themselves to determine who can be a donor, provided greater support for the families of donors, and ensured that matching organs with recipients is an equitable process based solely on medical criteria.
LifeSource is the second largest OPO in the country, serving over 7 million people who live in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and portions of western Wisconsin.
Yes. In fact, donation is only possible after all life-saving options have been exhausted and the patient has experienced death, when the heart is no longer able to beat on its own or when they are pronounced brain dead and the family has decided to remove mechanical support.
Organ donation is a rare, complex process and many people wonder how it works. Learn more about the different steps and find answers to your questions.
Organ donation is transformational for both recipients and the families of donors.
My name is Melanie, and I’m 39 years old. This year, I’ll hit the big 4-0. It’s a big number – a remarkable year… to be, as they say “over the hill…” dare I say, “middle aged.” But for me, this milestone isn’t just remarkable, it’s extraordinary.
William (Bill) shares his liver transplant story and the importance of mental and physical health alike.
If you meet little Coyle Bauer on the playground – an energetic little boy with bright blue eyes and an infectious smile – don’t expect to hear about the typical dinosaur or truck facts. He’ll probably tell you about his kidney.
Regardless of your age, health, religion, gender or race, everyone can share the gift of life. Use this secure form to register as an organ, eye and tissue donor.
This registration is a binding, legal document of gift. You affirm the information provided is accurate. You agree upon death to donate all eligible organs and tissues for transplant, education and research.* The National Donate Life Registry is managed by Donate Life America. You can update or remove your registration or specify more detailed donation preferences at any time at RegisterMe.org.
*Per the Uniform Anatomical Gift Act (UAGA) in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin, registration for organ, eye and tissue donation (anatomical gift) includes donation for transplantation, therapy, research or education.
