Organ, Tissue & Body Donation - Giving the Gift of Life
 Organ and tissue donation allows you to give the gift of life to others after your life has ended. Body donation allows you to help advance medical teaching and research for the benefit of future generations.
Washington State law supports an individual's decision to donate upon death. People's Memorial Association also encourages individuals to become organ, body or tissue donors through the following reputable nonprofit programs. You may register as an organ or tissue donor through the Department of Licensing when you receive your driver's license or through Donate Life Today, the Washington state registry.
Frequently Asked Questions about organ and tissue donation
Informing your family and caregivers
Sharing your decision to be an organ, tissue or body donor with your family is as important as making the decision itself. At the time of your death, your family will be approached about donation. Sharing your decision with your family now will help them understand your intent to become a donor. This will also prevent confusion or uncertainty about your wishes. Respecting your wish to save other lives can provide your family with great comfort in their time of grief.
Joining the Donor Registry
Transplantation is one of the most remarkable success stories in the history of medicine. In most cases, it's the only hope for thousands of people suffering from organ failure, or in desperate need of corneas, skin, bone or other tissue. Tragically, the need for donated organs and tissues continues to outpace the supply. Currently, more than 100,000 people nationwide are awaiting life-saving transplants. Each day, 18 Americans die waiting for organ or tissue transplantation. Make your wishes known by joining the Washington state donor registry at Donate Life Today or by calling 1-877-275-5269.
About LifeCenter Northwest
LifeCenter Northwest is one of 58 federally designated nonprofit organ procurement organizations in the US. LifeCenter Northwest saves and enhances lives by facilitating the recovery of organ and tissue in Washington, Alaska, Montana and Northern Idaho.
About University of Washington Willed Body Program
Even if you are not a possible candidate for organ or tissue donation, it is very likely that the donation of your body would be accepted by the UW School of Medicine for medical teaching and research. If you choose to donate your body to the University of Washington, the school provides free cremation of your body when their study is complete. If it is your desire to become a donor to the UW Willed Body Program it is advisable to contact them in advance and complete the Donor Registration Form.
Other Programs that offer Free Cremation for Body Donation
There are other programs that offer free cremation with the donation of your body, however we think you should be aware of some things before you choose a program which is not one of the established, reputable, nonprofit organizations listed on this page. True nonprofits have a public board of directors and financial transparency. While the sale of bodies and body parts is illegal, it is legal to charge handling fees that can amount to as much as $20,000 per body. If the organization you choose is not a true nonprofit, that "free cremation" may ultimately line someone else's pocket. Is that really how you want your final gift to be used?
Other reputable sites regarding organ and tissue donation:
Sightlife (formerly NW Lions Eye Bank)
Northwest Tissue Services
Washington Department of Licensing Organ Donor Program
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