750 12th Ave SW
Dyersville, IA | 52040
(800) 810-5129 or (563) 875-7121
Dyersville, IA | 52040
(800) 810-5129 or (563) 875-7121
700 East Oak Street
Monticello, IA | 52310
(319)-465-5400
Monticello, IA | 52310
(319)-465-5400
Organ & Tissue Donations
In practice, donations cannot be carried out without the consent of next-of-kin. Advance discussion of donation with family members is just as important as signing a card. In a time of extreme stress and grief, a signed donor card and knowledge of the individual's wishes will help families make their decision about donation.
| Question #1 | Who can become a donor? |
| Answer: | Anyone who is 18 or older and of sound mind may become a donor when he or she dies. Minors may become donors with a parent's or guardian's consent. |
| Question #2 | Will my decision interfere with my own health care? |
| Answer: | No. Medical personnel must follow strict guidelines before they can pronounce death and remove the donor's organs and tissues. Organ and tissue donors receive the same health care as non-donors. |
| Question #3 | How will medical personnel know that I am a donor? |
| Answer: | Medical personnel will know by your carrying of a "Donor Card". You should distribute copies to your family, doctors, the funeral home that holds your pre-arranged services, and attorney. |
| Question #4 | Who pays for the donation procedure? |
| Answer: | The organ donation programs, funded through health care, pay for all costs involved in the organ donation and recovery. However, the organ and tissue recovery process may make restoration and reconstruction at the funeral home a time consuming endeavor that will require considerable professional expertise. There may be specific charges at the funeral home for additional preparation and restoration at the funeral home. |
| Question #5 | How are the organs and tissues distributed? |
| Answer: | The distributions of organs is handled by regional organ banks which are linked to a national computer network that allows them to speed the process of matching organ donors and recipients. Tissue distribution is coordinated by various tissue banks throughout the country. |
| Question #6 | Does my age or medical history matter? |
| Answer: | Although most programs do have age restrictions for organs, it should not influence your decision to become a donor. The transplant team will decide at the time of donation whether the organs or tissues are useful for donation. If the organs or tissues can't be transplanted, it is possible that the organs or tissues may be helpful in medical research. |
| Question #7 | Will I have to change my funeral arrangements? |
| Answer: | The organ and tissue recovery process takes time and sometimes does not begin for several hours after death. The donor's body will not be released to the funeral home until all recovery procedures are complete, which can be 24 hours or more after death. Once the donor's body is released there may be considerable restoration procedures necessary, depending upon the organs and tissues recovered. In all cases where donation is being considered, the family should contact the funeral home directly immediately after death. The funeral director will be able to assist you in scheduling and making you aware of potential delays. If you plan to donate your body for medical research, you should be sure to arrange all of the details with your local anatomical board. |
| Question #8 | Can I change my mind about becoming a donor? |
| Answer: | Absolutely, simply tear up your donor card. Anyone that you have told about your donation request should be notified of this change. Tell family members, doctors, the funeral home, and if you have made arrangements to have your status indicated on your driver's license be sure to contact the driver's license office to have your status changed. |
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