We are seeing a marked increase in in the number of clients who have inquired about organ and tissue donation. The procedure for designation that you want to be a donor is relatively simple and can be done in a number of ways.
Florida law is very specific on how to make such designations. They include:
- Signing an organ and tissue donor card.
- Registering with the state’s online donor registry: https://www.donatelifeflorida.org/register/
- Designating your intention on your driver’s license. The gift designation remains in place even if the license is revoked, suspended, canceled or expires.
- Using an advance directive or will to express your desire.
- Using some other document to express your desire. This document must be signed in front of two witnesses, who also sign it. If the donor cannot sign, it can be signed for him/or her in front of two witnesses.
If you want to learn more about organ and tissue donation in Florida, go to the Joshua Abbott Organ and Tissue Donor Registry: www.donatelifeflorida.org. By the way, some of you may have known Joshua Abbott, who grew up in Gainesville. The Florida Legislature chose to name the registry after Joshua, who was an organ transplant recipient at the age of 29 and a donor 11 months later upon his passing.