Organ and Tissue Donation in Alberta

stylized illustrations of people and leaves

What is this?

Organ donation is when a person's organs (e.g., heart, lungs, kidneys) are removed and transplanted into another person.

Tissue donation is when other parts of the body (e.g., bone, skin, eye components) are removed and transplanted into another person.

Organ donation typically takes place after a person dies suddenly and unexpectedly due to a severe brain injury. Certain organs, like a kidney, can be donated by a person who is still alive.

Over 700 Albertans are currently on transplant waitlists. Over 4,500 Canadians are waiting for life-saving transplants, with many others on waitlists for life-enhancing tissue transplants.

How to decide

There is no right or wrong answer – your decision is based on personal preferences.

It is important to discuss this question in advance with close friends and family. If you choose to become a donor, let them know.

Even if you have registered to be a donor, a family member will still be asked to sign a consent form saying that they have been informed about, and agree with, the donation process. 

How to register

Register your decisions online at the Alberta Organ and Tissue Donation Registry. It communicates your wishes to health care teams and others though a formal record.

For further information, see the organ and tissue donation section of our resource directory.

stylized illustration of people

Milestone birthday?

Hi, my name is Yoshi and I just turned fifty. Yes, I know, fifty is the new forty and all that, but this number feels like a big one, and it’s got me thinking about my future care.

It’s important to me that if I were suddenly unable to make decisions that someone could pay my bills and make sure my investments and TFSA accounts are secure.

Enduring Power of Attorney