Become An Organ Donor and Save Lives

The University of Wisconsin (UW) Organ and Tissue Donation program is recognized as one of the most successful organ procurement programs in the United States. The program, based in Madison, is dedicated to saving and improving lives through organ and tissue donation, while also supporting donor families with compassion and expertise. Their mission is to advocate for donors, donor families, and recipients, while educating healthcare professionals and the public about the importance of organ and tissue donation. Melissa Meyer is a  Marketing Strategist at UW Organ and Tissue Donation. She was on WRCO’s Morning Show with Phil Nee.

The UW Organ and Tissue Donation team collaborates with over 100 hospitals across Wisconsin, Michigan, and Illinois to facilitate donations. They manage the entire process for living and deceased organ donors, including evaluation, recovery, preservation, and providing organs for transplant, research, and education. They also work to increase the number of registered donors, as only 58% of Americans are currently registered, despite 95% supporting the idea.

Phil Nee also interviewed Dr. Fahad Aziz with UW-Madison’s Transplant Medicine.

Meyer says her job is to save lives through organ donations. The generosity has a profound impact; one organ donor can save up to eight lives and help 75 others. If you would like to become an organ and tissue donor, the process only takes a few seconds to help save someone’s life. There are a number of ways to become a donor.

Through February 24, 608 Wisconsin taxpayers and spouses have checked the box to become organ donors. Families of donors can take comfort knowing their loved one’s legacy will continue long after they are gone.

You can also be a living donor.

If you would like to become a living donor, visit the UW Health web page to initiate the process.