What does joining the registry mean?

Every individual has the right to decide to donate their organs and tissues at the time of their death. On October 15, 2001, recovery agencies began enforcing a law enacted by the Wyoming State Legislature in 1998. The law established a centralized, confidential registry of every person in Wyoming that has decided to be an organ and tissue donor.

What does being on the Wyoming Organ and Tissue Donor Registry mean?

• Being on the Wyoming Organ and Tissue Donor registry means that you have elected to have all of your organs and tissues made available for transplant at the time of your death. As always it is essential that you communicate to your family your choice to be a donor.
• Your family will be informed of your decision to be an organ and tissue donor at the time of your death and asked to provide information about your medical and social history.
• Single restrictions are recorded in the Donor Registry.
• Enrollment in the Donor Registry is not the only way to be a donor. If you decide to be a donor, but prefer not to join the Registry, it is important to tell your family about your decision. At the time of your death, your family will be contacted to make the decision to donate on your behalf.
• The Registry will only accomodate restrictions or exclusions related to individual organs or tissues that can be removed for purposes of transplantation, medical education or research. Organs are distributed according to national regulations.
  

Is my driver's license or ID card enough?

• Yes, your driver's license or ID card is enough. However, the registry provides on the spot information about an individuals decision to be a donor, which guarantees that an individual's decision to donate will be honored and respected. Your driver's license or ID card may not be available at the time donation is being considered.
• Individuals can continue to register to be organ and tissue donors at the department of motor vehicles (DMV) when they are getting a new license or renewing their license. This information from the DMV is downloaded into the registry every 24 hours. So, if you make your designation at the DMV you have been added to the registry.

Can I take my name off the registry?

• Yes, you can take your name off the registry. To remove yourself from the registry you can fill out the online form located on this Web site or send in your request to be removed in writing to Wyoming Donor Registry, 3773 Cherry Creek North Drive, Suite 601, Denver, CO 80209.
• Once your decision to be removed has been received you will be mailed a notification card affirming your decision. Once you have received that card you are asked to sign and return it to confirm your decision.
• Keep in mind, even though you have been removed from the registry, at the time of your death your family will still be contacted by a coordinator and asked if they would like to make the decision to donate on your behalf.
  

See our Facts and Questions page for more information about organ and tissue donation.

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