Living donation is when a living person chooses to donate an organ—or part of an organ—to help someone in need of a transplant. In Washington, DC, transplant centers perform both kidney and liver living donor transplants.

• Kidney donation is possible because we only need one functioning kidney to live a healthy life.

• Liver donation is possible because the liver regenerates. A portion of a healthy liver can be donated and will regrow in both the donor and recipient, typically within six weeks.

Each day, 17 people in the U.S. die waiting for a life-saving transplant. The need far exceeds the number of available deceased donor organs—but living donors can help close the gap.

Benefits of living donation include:

• The recipient can receive a transplant sooner, and often in better health.

• Living donor organs tend to last longer than deceased donor organs.

• Surgery can be scheduled for the convenience of both the donor and recipient.

• For many patients, especially those with kidney failure, living donation may be their best or only option.

Living donors can donate to:

• A family member, friend, spouse, or coworker

• Or even someone they’ve never met—this is called altruistic or non-directed donation

Donors must be in good physical and mental health and undergo a thorough medical and psychosocial evaluation at a transplant center. Each transplant center may have different requirements, but common health conditions like uncontrolled high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, or cancer may prevent donation.

• MedStar Georgetown Transplant Institute at MedStar Washington Hospital Center

• George Washington Transplant Institute

• Howard University Hospital

Start the process by contacting your chosen transplant center and asking for the Living Donor Coordinator.

Living donation is a personal decision made during your lifetime. Deceased donation is a decision made through your donor registration, allowing organs and tissues to be donated after your death.

Signing up to be a deceased donor on Donate Life DC does not register you as a living donor—and vice versa.

The evaluation is designed to ensure you are healthy enough to donate and making a voluntary, informed decision. It typically includes:

• A complete medical history and physical

• Psychological assessment

• Blood and tissue testing

• Imaging (CT scans, X-rays, etc.)

• Cancer screenings

• Consultation with an Independent Living Donor Advocate (ILDA)—a specialist who ensures your best interests are represented at all times

Most donors stay in the hospital for 2–6 days and return to normal activities in about 6 weeks. Recovery time varies depending on the organ and the individual.

Your transplant center will support you every step of the way—from pre-surgical education to post-op follow-up.

You can still help! Options include:

• Paired kidney exchange (organ swaps between incompatible pairs)

• Non-directed donation (donating to someone you don’t know)

These options can save multiple lives and often trigger transplant chains across the country.

Living donation is generally safe but involves the same risks as any major surgery, including:

• Pain, infection, bleeding

• Blood clots

• Reactions to anesthesia

• Emotional challenges

You’ll be fully informed of all potential risks and benefits throughout the process.

Medical costs related to evaluation, surgery, and follow-up are typically covered by the recipient’s insurance. However, some costs—like travel, time off work, or complications unrelated to the donation—may not be covered.

There are resources available for financial assistance, including the National Living Donor Assistance Center. Your transplant center can provide guidance.

Before making this decision, consider:

• Can I take time off work?

• Am I physically and emotionally ready?

• Do I have a support system?

• What if I’m not approved or change my mind?

Learn more at UNOS: Being Asked to Donate.