Introduction to Organ and Tissue Donation in Alberta
The Alberta Health Services (AHS) Organ and Tissue Donation Program supports the critical need for organ and tissue transplants in Alberta. The program facilitates and promotes organ and tissue donation to save and improve lives, emphasizing the importance of registering as a donor and communicating your wishes with loved ones. For the most up-to-date information on donation processes, eligibility, and registration, please visit the official Alberta Health Services Organ and Tissue Donation website.
The information provided by the Cooperative Memorial Society (CMS) regarding organ and tissue donation is derived from Alberta Health Services to ensure our members and community have accurate and reliable guidance on how to make informed decisions about donation.
The information provided by the Cooperative Memorial Society (CMS) regarding organ and tissue donation is derived from Alberta Health Services to ensure our members and community have accurate and reliable guidance on how to make informed decisions about donation.
How do I become an organ or tissue donor in Alberta?
To become a donor:
How do I register my consent to donate my organs or tissues?
Visit the Becoming a Donor page to learn more about organ, tissue, and body donation and to access the registry. You will need your Alberta Personal Health Care Number to register. The online process guides you step-by-step, and you can print a copy of your decision for your records.
Does registering online legally consent me to be a donor?
Yes. As of 2020, registering your wishes online with the Alberta Organ and Tissue Donation Registry provides legal consent to donate. Previously, this process required printing and submitting a signed form. For more information, refer to the Human Tissue and Organ Donation Act.
Is my information kept confidential?
Yes, your information is confidential. However, it is important to share your wishes with your family so they are aware of your decision. Alberta Health will only disclose this information as permitted or required by law.
Can I choose which organs or tissues to donate?
Yes, you can specify which organs and tissues you want to donate or opt to donate your body for medical or scientific research. Unused organs and tissues can also be designated for these purposes if you choose.
Does signing my Health Card or registering online make me a living donor too?
No. To become a living donor, you need to contact a Living Donor Program in either Edmonton or Calgary.
Can I be refused as a donor?
In some cases, certain diseases or high-risk behaviours may prevent organ or tissue donation. This determination is made by medical professionals after your death, but do not let this discourage you from registering.
What happens to my registry information?
Upon your death, a donor coordinator accesses your registry information through a secure web system linked to your Personal Health Number. If you have provided consent, this information will be shared with your family.
Can I change my mind after registering?
Yes, you can update your choices by revisiting the Alberta Organ and Tissue Donation Registry online or through a Registry Agent. Make sure to inform your family of any changes.
How do I withdraw from the registry?
If you no longer wish to be a donor, you can:
Does registering with a Registry Agent affect my driver’s license?
When registering or renewing your Alberta driver’s license or ID, you will be asked if you want the donor symbol (a heart with the word “donor”) printed on your card. There is no extra cost if done during renewal. Registering separately incurs a fee of $22.45 for a new card.
How do I remove the donor symbol from my driver’s license?
Visit a registry office to get a new card without the symbol. The cost is $22.45.
Will my family still be consulted about donation?
Yes, a family member will be asked to sign a consent form acknowledging and supporting the donation process. Communicating your wishes to your family is essential to ensure your preferences are respected.
What happens if I donate my body to science?
If you wish to donate your body for medical education or research, contact either the University of Alberta Anatomical Gift Program or the University of Calgary Body Donation Program. After use, remains are typically cremated and returned to your next-of-kin.
Can I donate organs before donating my body for research?
No, the body must be intact for donation to medical programs, with the exception of eyes.
Why was I asked about donation when renewing my license or ID?
Registry agents are legally required to ask about donation when processing driver’s licenses or ID cards. This requirement under the Human Tissue and Organ Donation Act ensures every Albertan can easily record their donation wishes.
Where can I find more information?
For questions, visit Organ, Tissue, and Eye Donation, call Health Link at 811, speak with your doctor, or contact 1-844-815-3315 regarding the registry.
To become a donor:
- Discuss your wishes with your family so they are aware of your desire to donate your organs and/or tissues after you pass away.
- If you are 18 or older, you can:
- Register online with the Alberta Organ and Tissue Donation Registry.
- Visit a Registry Agent office to register.
- Sign the back of your Alberta Health Care card (for cards issued before 2018).
- Living Donors: If you are interested in donating a kidney, part of the lung or liver, or tissue like bone marrow or stem cells while alive, contact:
How do I register my consent to donate my organs or tissues?
Visit the Becoming a Donor page to learn more about organ, tissue, and body donation and to access the registry. You will need your Alberta Personal Health Care Number to register. The online process guides you step-by-step, and you can print a copy of your decision for your records.
Does registering online legally consent me to be a donor?
Yes. As of 2020, registering your wishes online with the Alberta Organ and Tissue Donation Registry provides legal consent to donate. Previously, this process required printing and submitting a signed form. For more information, refer to the Human Tissue and Organ Donation Act.
Is my information kept confidential?
Yes, your information is confidential. However, it is important to share your wishes with your family so they are aware of your decision. Alberta Health will only disclose this information as permitted or required by law.
Can I choose which organs or tissues to donate?
Yes, you can specify which organs and tissues you want to donate or opt to donate your body for medical or scientific research. Unused organs and tissues can also be designated for these purposes if you choose.
Does signing my Health Card or registering online make me a living donor too?
No. To become a living donor, you need to contact a Living Donor Program in either Edmonton or Calgary.
Can I be refused as a donor?
In some cases, certain diseases or high-risk behaviours may prevent organ or tissue donation. This determination is made by medical professionals after your death, but do not let this discourage you from registering.
What happens to my registry information?
Upon your death, a donor coordinator accesses your registry information through a secure web system linked to your Personal Health Number. If you have provided consent, this information will be shared with your family.
Can I change my mind after registering?
Yes, you can update your choices by revisiting the Alberta Organ and Tissue Donation Registry online or through a Registry Agent. Make sure to inform your family of any changes.
How do I withdraw from the registry?
If you no longer wish to be a donor, you can:
- Re-access the registry online and remove your selections.
- Call 1-844-815-3315 for assistance.
- You cannot withdraw your consent at Registry Agent offices.
Does registering with a Registry Agent affect my driver’s license?
When registering or renewing your Alberta driver’s license or ID, you will be asked if you want the donor symbol (a heart with the word “donor”) printed on your card. There is no extra cost if done during renewal. Registering separately incurs a fee of $22.45 for a new card.
How do I remove the donor symbol from my driver’s license?
Visit a registry office to get a new card without the symbol. The cost is $22.45.
Will my family still be consulted about donation?
Yes, a family member will be asked to sign a consent form acknowledging and supporting the donation process. Communicating your wishes to your family is essential to ensure your preferences are respected.
What happens if I donate my body to science?
If you wish to donate your body for medical education or research, contact either the University of Alberta Anatomical Gift Program or the University of Calgary Body Donation Program. After use, remains are typically cremated and returned to your next-of-kin.
Can I donate organs before donating my body for research?
No, the body must be intact for donation to medical programs, with the exception of eyes.
Why was I asked about donation when renewing my license or ID?
Registry agents are legally required to ask about donation when processing driver’s licenses or ID cards. This requirement under the Human Tissue and Organ Donation Act ensures every Albertan can easily record their donation wishes.
Where can I find more information?
For questions, visit Organ, Tissue, and Eye Donation, call Health Link at 811, speak with your doctor, or contact 1-844-815-3315 regarding the registry.
