1. To become a donor, all I have to do is carry a donor card in my wallet.
False. Carrying a donor card or indication on your drivers license is not enough. For your organs to be transplanted, your family must first give consent. Be sure to tell them what your wishes are now so they can carry them out for you later.

2. All major religions in the United States support donation.
True. If you're not sure about your faith's position, ask your religious advisor or look it up on our web site.

3. Only young people can be donors.
False. Every one from newborns to senior citizens age 75 and older should consider themselves a potential donor. Your medical condition at the time of your death will determine your suitability as an organ or tissue donor.

4. I won't be denied proper medical treatment if I decide to become a donor.
True. Until a patient is declared dead, every effort is made is to save his or her life. By law, the transplant team cannot be involved in your care until you are pronounced dead.

5. Organ and tissue donors can have open-casket funerals.
True. Organ and tissue recovery will not alter the body's outward appearance, nor will it interfere with funeral arrangements.

6. Black and Hispanic donors are needed, especially for kidney transplants.
True. About half of the people on the waiting list for kidney transplants are minorities. Medical professionals use tissue matching to select recipients for donated kidneys and that match is closest when the recipient and donor are from the same race. Black and Hispanic donors are needed, especially for kidney transplants.