Say yes to organ, eye and tissue donation

National Donate Life Blue & Green Day is Friday, April 21. During this day, the public is encouraged to wear blue and green, hold events and fundraisers, and partner with local restaurants, malls, media, and community organizations in an effort to promote the success of organ, eye and tissue transplantation and the extreme need for registered donors.

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.

Even people with diabetes, hepatitis and other chronic conditions can potentially save and heal lives. In Colorado and Wyoming there are over 2,500 people currently waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant.

Every individual 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 organ and tissue donors.

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.

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.

It’s easy to register to be a donor and join the 58% 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. Or simply register online here.

Learn more at donatelifewyoming.org.