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 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 reputable nonprofit programs, described below. You may register as an organ or tissue donor through the Washington Department of Licensing Organ Donor Program when you renew your driver’s license or through Donate Life Today, the Washington State registry.
Detailed info about organ and tissue donation by Life Center Northwest, and additional detailed info about body, organ, and brain donation by Funeral Consumers Alliance.
Joining the Donor Registry
Transplantation is one of the most remarkable success stories in the history of medicine. In most cases, it is 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 await life-saving transplants, and 18 Americans die waiting for them every day. 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 U.S. LifeCenter Northwest saves and enhances lives by facilitating the recovery of organ and tissue in Washington, Alaska, Montana, and Northern Idaho.
About University Willed Body Programs
Even if you are not a candidate for organ donation, the donation of your body would likely be accepted by the UW Willed Body Program or the WSU Medical Education Program for medical teaching and research. Each of these state universities provides free cremation of your body when its study is complete. If you desire to donate to either of these programs, complete the Donor Registration Form(s) and submit to their program office addresses shown on the bottom of their forms.
About Other Programs that offer Free Cremation for Body Donation
Several programs advertise free cremation in exchange for the donation of your body. However, be aware of some things before choosing a program that is not a nonprofit listed on this page. While selling human bodies and body parts is illegal, it is not illegal to charge sizable handling fees that can amount to as much as $20,000 per body. As a result, a whole industry has emerged to profit from this gray area of law and ethics. So, if you seek cremation, we encourage you to contact one of the university willed body programs first before considering one of these other organizations.
Other reputable regional organizations:
- Lions World Vision Institute (formerly SightLife)
- LifeNet Health | Renton (formerly Northwest Tissue Services)
