Organ Procurement Organizations are there to Help you Through Tough Decisions

Donor Alliance serves the nation as an Organ Procurement Organization (OPO), one of 56. OPOs are not-for-profit organizations the federal government designates to recover donor organs from the deceased for transplantation. Donor Alliance aims to save and heal as many lives as possible.

Donor Alliance operates in Colorado and Wyoming, striving to provide opportunities for individuals who have passed away to become organ donors. By doing so, they contribute to saving the lives of individuals with life-threatening conditions.

History of Organ Procurement

In 1984, the National Organ Transplant Act (NOTA) was enacted. Its purpose was to help ensure the organ allocation process is carried out fairly and efficiently. Since the creation of this act, the United States has achieved significant success in donor identification, coordination, authorization, and recovery. As a result, it has developed one of the most successful systems worldwide in these crucial areas.

Organ Procurement Organizations collect and report key donor data. They report this data to both the Organ Procurement Transplantation Network (OPTN) and the transplant hospitals receiving donation offers. The focus on quality and safety of donated organs is paramount for Organ Procurement Organizations (OPOs). These organizations prioritize ensuring the highest standards in organ donation.

To guarantee compliance and accountability, UNOS mandates that Organ Procurement Organizations, including Donor Alliance, meticulously document their adherence to all necessary legal and regulatory obligations. This rigorous documentation process serves to maintain transparency and promote adherence to established protocols throughout the organ procurement process.

What Donor Alliance does as an Organ Procurement Organization.

As an Organ Procurement Organization, Donor Alliance’s role is to assess donor potential, collect and convey accurate clinical information, and follow national policies. With a focus on saving lives through organ donation, they work alongside hospitals, donor families, and transplant centers to facilitate the organ donation process. Each year, Donor Alliance helps numerous individuals receive life-saving organ transplants.

Donor Alliance begins by identifying potential organ donors in collaboration with hospitals. They carefully assess patients who have passed away to determine their eligibility for organ donation.

For every successful match, the Donor Alliance facilitates authorization, testing, the recovery of the donor organs, and delivery to the transplant hospital where the life-saving procedures take place.

Always People First

Organ Procurement is a very emotional process, and OPOs are on the front line. During the emotional discussions surrounding the possibility of organ donation, Donor Alliance directly engages with the decedent’s family or next of kin. They provide guidance and support, facilitating important conversations about the potential gift of life.

The work of Organ Procurement Organizations is crucial and includes many other support services. These include providing assistance to donor families, managing the clinical aspects of deceased donors, educating hospital staff, promoting public awareness, facilitating donor registration, tissue, and cornea donation, as well as recovering non-transplantable organs and tissues for medical research purposes. These diverse responsibilities collectively contribute to the overall mission of organ procurement organizations.

There are nearly 100,000 people in the U.S. waiting to receive a lifesaving transplant, with nearly 1,500 in our region. These individuals depend on the work of Organ Procurement Organizations. These organizations are responsible for providing the lifesaving transplants that these patients need. As a result, these patients can continue creating cherished memories with their loved ones.

How to Register as an Organ Donor

It is easy to register as an organ donor. By registering as a deceased donor while renewing your driver’s license or state ID at your local DMV or anytime through the Donate Life Wyoming or Donate Life Colorado websites, you have the opportunity to make a profound impact. Your registration can potentially save the lives of patients who are eagerly awaiting life-saving transplants. Learn more about the process of organ, eye, and tissue donation at Donor Alliance.