Say Yes to Organ and Tissue Donation

National Donor Day is February 14, a day dedicated to spreading awareness and education about organ, eye and tissue donation.

Anyone, regardless of age or medical condition, can register as a donor. An organ donor can save eight lives through organ donation, and a tissue donor can save and heal more than 75 lives through tissue donation.

“Tissue donation is just as life-saving as organ donation,” said Angie Peters, CCH Trauma Coordinator and CCH Donation liaison. ”For example, a donation of skin for a burn patient can prevent a potentially life threatening infection. Many people don’t realize just how beneficial a donation can be.”

Even people with diabetes, hepatitis, and other chronic conditions can potentially save and heal lives. In Colorado and Wyoming, there are over 1,500 people currently waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant.

In Wyoming alone, nearly 150 people are on the waiting list for a transplant. Nationwide, more than 100,000 people are waiting.

Every person has the right to decide to register to donate their organs and tissues at the time of their death. Wyoming law established a centralized, confidential online registry for every Wyoming resident who has made the decision to be an organ and tissue donor.

Being on the Donate Life Registry means that you have elected to have all of your organs and tissues made available for transplant and/or research at the time of your death. It is good to communicate your decision to be a donor with your family. When you sign up as an organ, eye, and tissue donor, your registration remains in effect unless you change it.

“We have a specific process we follow every time there is a potential for an organ or tissue transplant,” said Angie. “Families are kept informed every step of the way to ensure a careful, respectful transplant process.”

Frequently asked questions:

• If you are an eligible donor, your family will be informed of your decision at the time of your death and asked to provide information about your medical and behavioral history.

• If you wish to only donate certain organs and/or tissue, you may list restrictions when filling out the online registry form.

• Tissue donation and transplantation is overseen by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

• The Donate Life Wyoming Organ and Tissue Donor Registry ensures that your decision about donation will be known and acted upon.

• Personal information in the registry is only accessible to designated medical professionals, and the information on the registry cannot be shared with or sold to companies and government agencies.

“Campbell County Health is a great partner with Donor Alliance and the Rocky Mountain Lions Eye Bank ” said Gary Loghry, Regional Donation consultant for Donor Alliance. “Together with over 100 hospitals in WY and CO, our hospital partners continue to support donations and recognize the need for those in their communities who are waiting for a transplant. Over the past forty years, CCH has helped thousands of individuals benefit from life saving organ and tissue donations. In 2022 alone, two people received a kidney transplant, and dozens, if not hundreds, received tissue grafts from seven tissue donors. We would like to encourage everyone to talk to your family about your wishes and add your name to the Wyoming Organ and Tissue Donor Registry.”

It’s easy to register to be a donor and join the 61% of Wyoming residents who are already registered. If there is a heart or the word ‘donor’ on the front of your license or state ID, you are already enrolled in the organ and tissue donor registry. Simply register online here, or call 1-888-256-4386 for information about organ and tissue donation.

Learn more at donatelifewyoming.org.