Providing follow-up care to donor families is a vital part of the donation process. We believe it is important for families to know what type of care they can expect to receive from Iowa Donor Network (IDN) following their loved one’s gift of donation. For this reason, we have created an outline to represent the support donor families can elect to receive from our Donor Family Care Department. Please be advised, our support of donor families is not limited to the follow-up listed here and that the care we provide is individualized to meet a particular family’s needs.
Organ Donation Family Follow-up
After Donation Phone Call
A representative of the family may receive a phone call following organ recovery. Families who choose to receive this call will be notified how the recovery went and what organs were successfully recovered.
One Week Letter
The week after donation takes place IDN mails a letter to the family and includes information on the various grief materials and resources we have available.
One Month Letter
Approximately one month post-donation, a representative of the family will receive a letter offering detailed information on each organ recipient. The availability of recipient information varies and is dependent upon each transplant center’s disclosure policies. Additional materials accompanying the letter include: a copy of the authorization/disclosure form, grief support information, a Supportive Resources card and brochure outlining the process for corresponding with recipients.
Follow Up Care Phone Call
Approximately two months following donation, an attempt will be made to reach a representative of the family to offer support and information regarding future updates and IDN’s Quilt of Memories program.
One Year Anniversary Card
A card will be mailed to a family one year following the loss of their loved one.
Ongoing
Iowa Donor Network will continue to provide care needed to the donor family for as long as they request.
Tissue Donation Family Follow-up
Day after Donation Phone Call
A representative of the family may receive a phone call following tissue recovery. Families are offered support and information, including when they can anticipate additional follow-up from IDN.
One Week Letter
Approximately one week following donation, a representative of the family will receive a letter informing them of the tissue donation. Additional materials accompanying the letter include: a copy of the authorization/disclosure form, grief support information and a supportive resources card.
Follow Up Care Phone Call
Approximately two months following donation, an attempt will be made to reach a representative of the family to offer support and information regarding future updates and IDN’s Quilt of Memories program.
One Year Anniversary Card
A card will be mailed to a family one year following the loss of their loved one.
Tissue Disposition Letter
Approximately two years after tissue donation takes place Iowa Donor Network receives information regarding how the tissues were used to enhance the lives of recipients. The information available does vary but may include the type of graft, what the graft was used for, gender and/or age of the recipient, at at times the state the recipient lives in. A letter containing the available information is sent to the family.
Ongoing
Iowa Donor Network will continue to provide care needed to the donor family for as long as they request.
Additional Service Offerings
- Memory Bags are available for children (ages 3 – 7 & ages 8 – 12) and teenagers (ages 13 – 19)
- The Donor Medallion and Donate Life bracelets are available to all donor families
- Memorial plaques are available to honor donors aged kindergarten-12th grade
- IDN will facilitate correspondence between donor families and recipients
- A list of supportive resources/grief materials are available to meet the needs of the donor’s entire family
