The most living donor procedures performed in the world

Becoming a Living Donor

Many people have gone through the organ donor experience and have positive feelings about helping a family member or close friend. Your gift of an organ also allows someone who does not have the option of a living donation to get a deceased-donor organ more quickly.

Related donors, unrelated donors and nondirected donors have successfully and happily participated in Fairview's programs. Siblings and immediate family members are the most likely to be compatible. Extended family members and even unrelated donors such as spouses, friends and co-workers can also be considered.

Sometimes people have chosen to become nondirected donors. This means they decide to donate an organ, but they don't specify the recipient. The Transplant Center at University of Minnesota Medical Center was the first in the country to regularly perform kidney transplants using nondirected donors.

The Transplant Center at University of Minnesota Medical Center has more information available for you, through this site and also through programs that connect people that have already donated. There are many resources for additional information about transplantation and living donation, including medical journal articles and information from drug companies that provide medications for transplant patients.

If you are considering becoming a living donor, please read this information and discuss any questions you may have with The Transplant Center staff. We will make every effort to help you make the decision that is right for you. Potential donors must voluntarily contact the transplant office and ask to speak with a living donor coordinator about donation. For kidney, liver and pancreas donation call 612-625-5115 or 800-328-5465. For lung donation call 612-625-9922 or 800-478-5864.