Human organ and
tissue transplantation has become an important and growing
part of modern medical practice. Advances in medical technology
have resulted in millions of Americans receiving these
life-saving or life-enhancing gifts. None of this would
be possible, however, were it not for the tens of thousands
of donors and donor families who gift their organs and
tissues to help save or improve the lives of others.
Promote discussion of donation among families
The North Carolina Eye Bank encourages individuals to
openly discuss with family and friends their desire to
be a donor. Donation and transplantation depends upon
consent from the donor or the donor’s surviving legal
next-of-kin, and timely decisions are very important.
Knowing how a potential donor thought about donation helps
expedite the decision making process.
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Every minute counts
The decision to donate must be made in a timely
manner. Post mortem viability of eye tissue is very
limited, and to insure that the tissue is safe and
viable, we prefer to have decisions about donation
made in the first six hours following death. |
Ask for consent to donate
The North Carolina Eye Bank donor coordinators under circumstances
that are sensitive to the consenting person’s grieving
and wishes conduct informed consent discussions. Information
concerning donation is presented in language and terms
that are easily understood by the consenting person. The
consent is obtained under circumstances that provide an
opportunity to ask questions and receive informative responses.
Consent procedures conducted by The North Carolina Eye
Bank comply with federal, state, and local regulations.
The North Carolina Eye Bank donor coordinators seeking
the consent have been trained obtain legal consent for
donation and to appropriately answer any questions from
the consenting person.
The North Carolina Eye Bank Donor Communication Center
operates 24 hours a day, seven day a week. |
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As
a resident of North Carolina, you should take
the following steps to ensure your decision to
become a donor is carried out:
1. Indicate your wishes on your driver's license
or state ID when you apply for or renew it.
2. Download a donor
card here. Sign it and carry it with you at
all times.
3. Express your wishes to your family.
It is important to tell your family members that
you have decided to become a donor so that they
will understand your decision and support it.
You can also download a family
notification form here. |
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