Every day in American, 78 people receive a life-saving organ transplant, while more than 100,000 people remain on the organ transplant waiting list. Sue Witte, LISW, Family Support Program Coordinator at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, talks about organ donation:
Who is eligible to be an organ donor?
Everyone is eligible to be an organ donor. Other than live donations for kidneys, all donors have to have passed away. All donors are medically evaluated by the Organ Procurement Organization to ensure there is no infection or a cancer that may be passed to the recipient in the transplant. If you're interested in saving a life in this kind of way, when your life has ended, organ donation is an opportunity to do so.
What steps need to be taken so someone can become an organ donor?
When someone dies, the Organ Procurement Organization is notified by the hospital. They review the medical chart, meet with the medical staff regarding the medical history of that patient, and then meet with the family to let them know that their loved one has the opportunity to be an organ donor and save a life through donation.
If a person dies of a long-term illness or medical condition, can they still donate organs?
Yes, currently the only absolute medical rule-out is HIV. We encourage medical staff to make referrals to the Organ Procurement Organization. For people who designate to be an organ donor, their medical condition will be evaluated upon their death and before donation.
Why should minorities be particularly concerned about organ donation?
Certain minorities, for instance, African-Americans, have a higher risk for developing diabetes and hypertension which increases their chance of needing a kidney transplant. We encourage minorities to register to be donors and help their community, and help someone who may need that life-saving gift.
Does organ donation cost the family?
There is absolutely no cost to the family for organ donation or tissue donation.
Can an organ donor have a traditional funeral service?
Yes, all donations include careful reconstruction of the body and should not interfere with any funeral plans.
If I want to be an organ donor, how can I make sure my wishes are carried out when I die?
I encourage people to make their wishes known by talking to their family and making sure you let them know that's something that you want to do so they're not surprised in the event that they're told that was on your driver's license.
The other thing is to put it on your driver's license when you go to the DOT to get your license. They'll ask you if you would like to be an organ and tissue donor and if you say yes, that Y will appear on your license.
We also encourage people to go to the Iowa registry www.donorregistry.org or call 877-366-6742. That way you can register, make sure your wishes are known in the event something happens to you, and you can designate yourself as a donor. |
