Talk To Your Family: The Decision To Donate Does Not Go Away

The decision to be an organ and tissue donor does not go away. If you are not registered or remove yourself from the Donate Life California Donor Registry, the decision is left to your family. This is why it is so important to have the conversation about your wishes with them. Although this conversation can be difficult, it could give your family comfort in knowing what you would have wanted.

Here are some ideas on how to approach the conversation using common situations:

I just went to the doctor and I need to talk to you about what I would want if something were to happen to me.
After watching that movie and seeing what a beautiful memorial they had, I really want to talk to you about what I would want.
Did you know that one person can save eight lives as an organ donor? What do you think about being a donor?
Have you gone to the DMV recently? I saw the question they asked about being and organ or tissue donor and I wanted to talk to you about my decision.
I know you don’t want to think about anything happening to me, but I feel like it is important for you to know what I would want if I wasn’t here to make these decisions.

Here are some great resources for a living will or advanced care directive:

National Hospice & Palliative Care Organization, https://www.nhpco.org/patients-and-caregivers/
Mayo Clinic Guide for Living Wills and Advanced Care Directives, https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/in-depth/living-wills/art-20046303

Now, if you are registered on the Donate Life California Donor Registry, the organ procurement organization staff who would approach your family is able to search the registry. With that search, a Document of Gift is generated from the registry that explains the legally binding decision of what your wishes are. This document also includes any specific organs or tissues that you may not want to donate. If you are wondering how to make these limitations, you can go to www.donateLIFEcalifornia.org and click on “Your Registration” and then “Update Donor Profile Page”. You can then be specific in what you do or do not want to donate.Once you have had that conversation with your family and you wish to register, go to https://register.donatelifecalifornia.org/register.