What Is organdonor.gov and What Information Does It Provide?

Updated

organdonor.gov is the U.S. government's information site about organ, eye, and tissue donation. It explains how donation works, points visitors to their state or national donor registries, answers common questions, and shares stories from recipients. It is aimed at members of the U.S. public who want to understand donation or register as a donor. It is an information and referral site, not a registry itself, so sign-up happens through an external registration system.

What the site covers

The site groups its content into a few practical areas:

  • Donation basics — how organ, eye, and tissue donation works and why it matters.
  • Registration — how to sign up as a donor, typically by linking out to a state registry or the national registration option.
  • FAQ — answers to common questions and concerns about donating.
  • Stories — accounts from organ recipients that illustrate the impact of donation.
  • Resources — materials for people who want to learn more or help spread awareness.

Who it is for

The site is written for the general U.S. public rather than for clinicians or researchers. It suits people who are:

  • deciding whether to become a donor and wanting plain-language facts first;
  • looking for the correct place to register in their state;
  • researching donation to answer a family member's questions or to prepare a school or community talk.

How to use it

  1. Start with the donation basics to confirm you understand what organ, eye, and tissue donation involves.
  2. Check the FAQ for the specific concern you have — eligibility, the registration process, or how donation is handled.
  3. Follow the registration link when you are ready to sign up. Because registration runs through a separate registry, complete the form there and confirm you receive a confirmation.
  4. Verify your status with the registry you used if you are unsure whether an earlier sign-up is still active.

What to keep in mind

  • The site is a starting point, not the record of your decision. Your donor status lives with the registry you sign up through, so keep that confirmation.
  • Registration rules and processes are set at the state or registry level. If your situation is unusual, confirm details with the registry directly rather than relying on general pages.
  • The site's value is in orientation and referral: it tells you what donation involves and where to act, while the actual sign-up and any follow-up happen elsewhere.