While we all hope to live long healthy lives, for some there may come a time when serious illness necessitates organ or tissue transplant.
This can be a sensitive subject for families, but one that should be thoughtfully considered before an emergency situation comes to pass.
The process of donating or receiving organs and tissues can be a lengthy one according to Chaplain Phil Schrauben and case manager Carol Loynachan at Pella Regional Health Center and the earlier decisions are made about donation, the better.
The window of time for harvest of organs is brief and can be a matter of life and death on the receiving end.
They say even though a person may be listed as an organ donor on a state-issued license, more information is needed by the Iowa Donor Network before a donation can be made.