Wyoming Ranks 4TH In Organ and Tissue Donations

The State of Wyoming ranks among the top in yet another category. For 2010,Wyoming was ranked as 4th in the nation when it comes to organ and tissue donations. For a state with just over 500,000 people, being ranked 4th is a pretty good but health officials would still like to see more Wyoming residents become organ and tissue donors!

A total of 59.6% of Wyoming residents have agreed on their driver's license or other ID cards to donate their organs and tissues when they die. Residents are able to check their licenses to see if they are included in the registry. In recent years, Wyoming licenses have had a small red heart symbol in the upper right hand area indicating who donates and who does not.

According to Cherame Serrano of the Wyoming Department of Health, there are approximately 145 people in Wyoming waiting for transplants. Don't be worried over whether or not to donate, just do it! Anyone is a potential donor regardless of age, race and medical history.  When Wyoming residents register to be an organ and tissue donor, they make an advanced directive that will be honored at the time of death if they are eligible to be a donor. Serrano also stated that “If you are eligible to be a donor, your family will be informed of your decision to be a donor at the time of your death and they’ll be asked to provide information about your history.”

If you would like to become an organ donor follow these simple steps!

• Sign up with the Wyoming Department of Transportation when you apply for or renew a Wyoming driver’s license.
• Register on-line by clicking here!
• Request and return a mail-in registration form. Forms can be requested by calling 307-777-3527 or by mail from Wyoming Cares/Wyoming Shares, 6101 Yellowstone Rd, Suite 259B, Cheyenne, WY 82002.