Become an Organ Donor

Each year in the United States, thousands of people die waiting for a donor organ that never comes. Whatever your age, race, or religion, you can help change that — by becoming an organ donor.

Posted by The Iowa Clinic on Thursday, June 25, 2015

Urgent Need for Minority Donations

Transplant surgeon Qasim Chaudhry, M.D., says, “While 36 percent of the population is comprised of ethnic minorities, 63 percent of those on waiting lists are minorities. To provide the best possible organ matches for patients, there's a desperate need to increase organ donations from minorities.”

Live Donations

Some tissues and organs — a kidney, for example — can be made as a living donation, which provides the longest and most positive outcomes for donor recipients.

Register to be an organ donor online at iowadonorregistry.org or when you renew your Iowa driver's license at your local Iowa Department of Transportation office.

“Every major religion encourages organ, eye, and tissue donation; passing on the gift of life is the highest expression of compassion and generosity. ”

- Qasim Chaudhry, M.D., Kidney Transplant Surgeon with The Iowa Clinic

You may register as an organ donor if you are 18 years old or, with permission from a parent or guardian, between ages 14 and 17. Children age 13 and younger can register with a signed consent from their parent or guardian.