Our valued community partners play a vital role in our work, assisting in the process of eye donation, providing support, and educating others. There are a variety of ways you can get involved.
How Can I Help?
- Sign up when you get your driver's license.
- Sign up when you get your hunting, fishing or trapping license.
- Sign up online.
After you sign up, make sure your next of kin is aware of your wishes. It's important because at the time of death, we have a series of questions that need to be answered in order for your donation to qualify for transplantation.
Already signed up? Great! We are always looking for help in signing up others to the registry. Contact Francie Williamson to find out how you can host a donor drive in your community. It's easy, free and can be a great way to earn Silver Cord hours or community service hours.
I'M A HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL
We work closely with health care professionals as well as hospital donation committees, hospice workers and social workers on awareness and education about the eye donation process. We offer educational presentations and materials upon request. Please contactI WORK AT A FUNERAL HOME
We value our partnership with the Iowa Funeral Directors Association as well as funeral homes across Iowa to fulfill the wishes of our donors and their next of kin. The donation process brings comfort and meaning to many after their loved ones have passed, knowing they were able to provide the gift of sight. Please contact Francie Williamson if you have any concerns or questions about streamlining the donation process and providing families with the highest level of compassion and care.
I'M A LION
Lions Clubs International has been dedicated to aiding the blind and visually impaired since 1925, and Iowa Lions Clubs continue to donate funds for multiple pieces of research equipment. Find your local Lions Club and find out how to join today.
IOWA DONOR NETWORK
Special Observances
Each February 14 we mark National Donor Day, which honors all who choose to take part in eye, organ, tissue, blood, platelets and marrow donation.
- Download a special valentine for those who have signed up as donors or taken part in the eye donation process. Simply right click on the image and save it to your desktop.
Each April we partner with Iowa Donor Network to mark Donate Life Month. There are a number of ways you can take part:
- Flag raising at your hospital.
- Hospital appreciation Rounds to honor all those who take part in donation.
- Special discounts at businesses for those who can show they have signed up as donors.
- Social media posts.
Each November is Eye Donation Month. There are a variety of ways you can mark this occasion.
- Set up an Ofrenda on Dia De Los Muertos on November 1 to honor those who have given the gift of sight.
- Social media posts.
- Make a contribution to Iowa Lions Eye Bank.