Aug 30, 2013
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IOWA CITY – The University of Iowa along with its sister institutions in the state of Iowa – the University of Northern Iowa and Iowa State University – have entered into a new competition to save lives. Along with Iowa Donor Network, the state’s three college football programs, fans and students will compete to register more organ, eye and tissue donors in Iowa.
The Iowa Hawkeyes open their 2013 season Saturday when they entertain defending Mid-American Conference champion Northern Illinois at historic Kinnick Stadium. Kickoff is set for shortly after 2:30 p.m. Iowa time.
“Iowa is ranked 4th in the country for donor registrations,” explained Suzanne Conrad, chief executive officer of the Iowa Donor Network.
“However, we know over 90 percent of the country believe donation is the right thing to do. With the help of our state’s universities, we know we can increase donor registrations and save more lives in Iowa and across the United States.”
More than 18 people die every day in the United States waiting for an organ transplant. Another 1.5 million will receive a tissue transplant over the next 12 months… including 50,000 cornea recipients who will receive the gift of sight.
“Anyone in Iowa can register as a donor and at the same time, vote for their favorite university to win this challenge,” said Conrad.
“Fans simply need to visit IowaDonorNetwork.org and click on your team’s logo to register. In addition, fans can visit their favorite team’s collegiate website and click on a banner to register there. For fans who are already registered donors, they can vote for their favorite team on our website without registering again.”
Conrad said the competition will run all season long and the university who receives the most votes and support will be presented with a traveling trophy after the football season.
Based in North Liberty, Iowa Donor Network is the fully accredited and federally designated organ procurement organization (OPO) serving Iowa. Certified by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, IDN coordinates with health care professionals, funeral directors and others involved in the donation process. IDN also works with donor families before, during and after donation, to educate, support, and help families work through their grief. For more information, log on to IowaDonorNetwork.org or call (800) 831-4131.