"You have the power to save a life. Say yes to donation."

Even though many people have provided the gift of life through donation, the need for organ, tissue, blood and bone marrow donors remains high. Nearly 100,000 people are listed on the national waiting list for organ transplants, and the list grows by 100 new names each day. In Wisconsin, over 1,600 people are included on the organ or tissue transplant waiting list.  Sadly, 17 people die each day in this country because of a shortage of organ donations.

Become an organ and tissue donor and give the gift of life. Sign and date the back side of your driver license and tell your family you want to be a donor. To have this designation included on you driver's record, send an e-mail that includes your full name; driver's license #; current address; and a statement such as "I would like my record to reflect that I would like to be an organ and tissue donor" to: driverrecords.dmv@dot.state.wi.us 

Organ / Tissue Donor Program Information 

Donor Intent Query System  |  Forms  |  Links  |  Contact Us

The Wisconsin Organ / Tissue Donor Program 

This program works with other state and federal agencies, organ and tissue procurement organizations, and related groups to inform the public about the importance of organ and tissue donation. Together, this partnership works on events and initiatives designed to increase public awareness and understanding of donation and ultimately allow more people to receive the gift of life.

Fact sheet (PDF, 25 KB) on Organ and Tissue donation.

Calendar of Events / Observances

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The Donor Intent Query System

When applicants for a Wisconsin driver's license or state identification card come into a Department of Transportation Service Center (exit DHS), they are asked if they wish to be recorded as potential organ and tissue donors.  The Department of Health Services uses this data to maintain the Donor Intent Query System.  This system allows users to access information that provides statewide and regional data on donation responses for public education and awareness efforts.  

• Wisconsin map, showing county donor intent rates (PDF, 353 KB)

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Forms 

• Wisconsin Document of Anatomical Gift Authorization for Organ and Tissue Donation Form  (PDF, 48 KB)

• Wisconsin Organ Recovery Assessment Form (PDF, 143 KB)

• Wisconsin Tissue Recovery Assessment Form (PDF, 113 KB)

Helpful links for more information

All external hyperlinks are provided for your information and for the benefit of the general public. The Department of Health Services does not testify to, sponsor, or endorse the accuracy of the information provided on externally linked pages.

• Donate Life Wisconsin

• University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics - Organ Procurement Organization, the federally designated Organ Procurement Organization serving 59 counties in Wisconsin.
• Wisconsin Donor Network - Federally-designated Organ Procurement Organization serving 10 counties in Southeastern Wisconsin.

• Donate Life America

  • Done Vida - Información en español sobre la donación de órganos (Information in Spanish about donating organs and tissue)

• August 1 is National Minority Donor Awareness Day
• US Department of Health & Human Services - organ donation site.
• Gift of a Lifetime: Organ and Tissue Transplantation in America - An in-depth web documentary of the miracle of organ and tissue transplantation.
• United Network for Organ Sharing
• The Organ Procurement & Transplantation Network
• National Minority Organ Tissue Transplant Education Program

Contact Us

Last Updated: September 02, 2009