March 28, 2024

Record number of Iowans give the Gift of Life in 2018

NORTH LIBERTY — A record number of Iowans are saying “yes” to organ, tissue, and eye donation resulting in hundreds of lives saved in 2018. Iowa Donor Network (IDN) reports that in 2018, Iowa had the highest number of organ donors in the state’s history.

In total, 74 deceased donors gave the gift of life which resulted in 248 organs transplanted, also the most ever in Iowa’s history. IDN credits the record with giving, caring Iowans and an innovative and responsive healthcare system.

“Iowans continue to show compassion by registering as donors and saying, ‘yes’, to donation when the opportunity arises,” says CEO Suzanne Conrad. “We are so thankful for the generosity of the donors and their families and the incredibly dedicated healthcare providers that help carry out these wishes.”

A record number of Iowans also registered as organ, tissue, and eye donors in 2018.

There are currently 1.8 million Iowans on the Iowa Donor Registry. Nationally, 54 percent of adults are registered donors, Iowa is well above the average with 73 percent of adults on the registry. IDN provides professional and public education on the importance of organ, tissue, and eye donation, and collaborates with several statewide agencies including the Iowa Department of Transportation, the Department of Public Health and groups including the Iowa Association of County Medical Examiners, the Iowa Hospital Association and the Iowa EMS Association to raise awareness and maximize donation opportunities.

“Donation gives a person the chance to leave an incredible legacy,” says Conrad, “and provides a small glimmer of light in what is a dark time for their families. Additionally, recipients are given the hope of returning to work, school or just spending time with friends and family. Organ donation is truly the gift of life.”

Anyone can register as a donor, regardless of age or medical history. For more information please visit www.iadn.org

Based in North Liberty, Iowa Donor Network is the fully accredited and federally designated organ procurement organization (OPO) serving Iowa. Certified by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, IDN coordinates with health care professionals, funeral directors and others involved in the donation process. IDN also works with donor families before, during and after donation, to educate, support, and help families work through their grief. For more information, log on to http://www.iowadonornetwork.org/, or call (800) 831-4131.