The Iowa Donor Network is kicking off a new campaign to make Iowa the first state to bring its organ donation waiting list to zero. 

For the full story, click here. 

Who can become a donor:

People of all ages can consider themselves a potential organ donor. The absolute exclusions include people with HIV infection, active cancer or systemic infection. 

The condition of the organ is more important than the age of the donor. Doctors will examine the organ and determine whether they are suitable for donation. 

Steps to becoming a donor:

• Indicate consent to be a donor by enrolling in the state’s donor registry. This can happen when people obtain or renew a driver’s license or by going online to a state registry. 
• Tell family so they can support the decision.

Find where you can register here

To request to be on the waiting list:

• Get a referral from a physician to be evaluated by a transplant program as a potential transplant candidate.
• Research health care services in your area and see what they can do for you and your family.
• Select a transplant hospital that is most compatible with your location and insurance program.
• Schedule an evaluation appointment with the transplant hospital of choice to find out if you are a candidate for a transplant.
• If you are determined to be a transplant candidate, the transplant team members will add you to the Oran Procurement and Transplantation Network.

Organs that can be donated:

• Kidney
• Heart
• Lung
• Liver
• Pancreas
• Intestines

Information from organdonor.gov