Top Making the Decision

Anyone can register to become an organ donor; just be sure you get the facts first and discuss your decision with your family.

The Idaho Donor Registry makes easy the task of becoming a donor. All you have to do is specify what you'd like to donate. You can even choose to donate certain organs or tissue for either research or transplantation only.

If you are 18 years of age or older, you may request to have the "DONOR" designation appear on your license or ID card. The designation identifies your wish to donate your organs and/or tissues upon your death to those waiting for transplants.

Organ donors are required to sign a Document of Gift before the license or ID card can display the donor designation. The Idaho Transportation Department will submit the Document of Gift to the donor registry.

Top How to Register

There are three ways to register: mail, in person at the DMV, or online. If you prefer not to do so online, you'll need to first get your hands on a registration form. Download one or pick one up at your local county driver's license office. Once you have completed the form, mail it to:

• The Idaho Donor Registry

• 230 South 500 East, #290

• Salt Lake City, UT 84102

• Phone: (866) 937-4324

• Email: info@yesidaho.org

When you apply for a driver's license at the DMV, you can indicate that you'd like to be a possible donor. After making this request, you will receive a letter in the mail detailing how the information provided during the license application process will be used to register you as a donor.

Top Organ Donation vs. Tissue Donation

It is actually far more common for the recently deceased to become tissue donors; this includes eyes, bone, skin, veins, heart valves, tendons, and other tissues. Such donations can be made even after the heart has stopped beating. If you so wish, you can opt to be both an organ and a tissue donor.

Top Living Donations

Bone Marrow

The National Marrow Donor Program Registry is a great start if you are considering becoming a bone marrow donor. To join, all you have to do is take a simple blood test, as long as you are healthy and between the ages of 18 and 60, and you are on your way to helping those diagnosed with diseases such as leukemia.

Blood

As an adult, you can donate every 56 days, and make a regular habit of saving lives. Just think, few transplants could take place in our state if it weren't for those who donate blood.

Kidney

Kidneys are priceless, and a kidney is one of the few things you can donate while you still enjoy your days on earth. Thousands of people enduring a terminal, end-stage organ failure soon realize that not enough of us are donating our organs.

Top Cost

Since donation is considered a gift, being a donor costs you and your family nothing. The Organ Procurement Organization (OPO) foots the bill for all costs such as lab tests, surgical fees, and doctors' fees.

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