ORGAN DONATION

April 2001
		What does it mean to be an organ donor? Deputy Surgeon General Kenneth Moritsugu responds to your questions and comments.

Forum introduction How old is too old to be a donor? How do I find out about a specific donation? Can I be a living donor? What are the costs incurred by the family? I wish someone had asked me. Is it dangerous to be an organ donor? A message from a recipient Online Special: Organ Donation Return to the NewsHour's coverage of health	Bob Mack of Tampa, FL asks: What are the costs incurred by the family of the organ donor, when the organs are removed? Dr. Kenneth Moritsugu responds: The family or the estate of the organ donor remains responsible for any costs incurred in trying to save the donor's life. At the point the donor dies, and the next of kin consents to organ and/or tissue donation, all costs related to the recovery are borne by the organ procurement organization. Simply put, it does not cost a family anything more to have their loved one become an organ/tissue donor.