Organ and tissue transplant recipients celebrate the tremendous generosity of those who have saved their lives by becoming organ, tissue, marrow, and blood donors and to encourage more Americans to follow the example of their donor. Sue Witte, LISW, social work specialist and coordinator of the organ donation program at UI Hospitals and Clinics, talks about becoming a donor and the donor program at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics:
How would an interested person become a donor?
To be an organ or tissue donor at the time of death, we encourage people to designate that on their driver's license, to say ‘yes' at the Department of Transportation when they're getting their driver's license. We encourage people to register on the donor registry because so often people arrive at the hospital without their license. You register by going to the web site or calling 877-366-6742.
To be a blood donor, you can visit the UI Hospitals and Clinics De Gowin Blood Center Web site or call 319-356-2058.
To donate bone marrow for someone who needs a bone marrow transplant, call 800-944-8220 or 319-356-3337.
In order to become a donor, does the participant need to be deceased?
No, not at all. Bone marrow and blood donation can happen any time. You need to be in good health and you need to pass a screening process. Many transplant programs across the nation and here at University Hospitals offer living donation for candidates who need a transplant and have a family member or friend who is willing to donate. There is a screening process. This is a wonderful opportunity for those waiting for a transplant. There are more than 97,000 people on the national waiting list, and this type of donation allows patients to find their own donor and bypass this wait. They do not have to be deceased.
Who qualifies to become a donor? (Can a participant be too young/old?)
There's really no upper or lower age limit for a solid organ donation if a patient is considered brain dead or deceased. There are certain criteria for the other types of donation like tissue, blood, eye, and bone marrow. People need a health screening and we encourage people to contact us for that screening. We can provide any information and answer questions.
Tell us more about UI Hospitals and Clinics program. I understand the program was recently honored. Can you tell us about the ‘medal of honor?'
The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics received the ‘medal of honor' from the US Department of Health and Human Services for our organ donation consent rate in 2006, which was above the national average of 75 percent. We also received an additional merit award for achieving that ‘medal of honor' three years in a row. I think it speaks highly to the great care our families receive at their worst moment and they're willing to say yes when approached by our medical staff.
Are their any new or unique transplant programs at UI Hospitals and Clinics?
Yes, the University transplant programs have recently had changes in leadership in the past couple of years. We provide heart, kidney, pancreas, liver, and cornea transplants. Beginning last April, we started a lung transplant program here and we're excited to see these programs growing and offering Iowans and others these medical opportunities so they can receive their care here in Iowa.
What is the difference you see in the lives of those who received a transplant?
It's a wonderful experience to see lives so drastically improved in patients who have been in our ICUs, hooked to all sorts of medical equipment, receive a lifesaving gift and can be discharged within weeks of their surgery. Or maybe a burn victim who received skin grafting and is able to return home after a significant burn. So these are all medical miracles that are provided by a family's decision to save a life during their own tragedy, and we thank them and honor them during this Donate Life Month. |
