Kidney & Pancreas (Solid Organ) Donation
Kidney transplantation is the best treatment for kidney failure. Since 1993, the Avera Transplant Institute has performed over 300 kidney and pancreas transplant.
Bone Marrow Donation
Over 30,000 people a year are diagnosed with Leukemia or other blood diseases for which a marrow or blood stem cell transplant may be the best treatment.
As of March 31, 2006, anyone interested in becoming bone marrow/stem cell donor can join the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) registry through its web site at www.marrow.org/join Use this easy online registration system to print out the consent form and payment form, which are mailed in. If you are an eligible donor, the NMDP Center Support Services will then send you a swab kit to collect cells for tissue typing.
Other Donor Services
Keep reading to learn about some other donor-related services in the area.
- The South Dakota Lions Eye Bank accepts over 500 corneas for transplants each year. This unique opportunity has lead to improved vision for many people in the area. You can learn more by calling (605) 373-1008 or by following the link to their website.
- For more information about marrow and blood stem cell transplant or becoming a bone marrow donor, please call the Community Blood Bank at (605) 331-3222 or (605) 877-3070 or follow the link to visit their website.
- If you are a resident of South Dakota and possess a driver's license or I.D. card, follow the South Dakota Department of Public Safety Driver Licensing Program link to complete an organ and tissue donor registry form.
- The National Transplant Assistance Fund is committed to educating the public about the critical need for organ donation and helping patients in need. They also provide a downloadable organ donation card that can be filled out and kept with you.