What is the National Donor Family Council?
The National Kidney Foundation founded the National Donor Family Council (NDFC) in 1992 as a home for donor families. With over 11,000 donor family and professional members, the Council is the largest organized group of donor families in the world, representing donors of all organs and tissues (not just kidney).
With the help of the National Kidney Foundation, The NDFC supports the needs and expectations of donor families and assists the healthcare professionals who work most closely with these families. The Council works collaboratively with organizations in the transplant, bereavement, and professional communities.
Through dedicated service to the families of those who gave the gift of life, the NDFC provides a strong, unified voice in meeting donor family needs and providing a safe haven as they learn to live without the ones they love.
Who are Donor Families?
- Families whose loved ones died and donated their organs, tissues, or both;
- Families that would have liked to donate, but couldn't due to medical or other reasons;
- Families that did not donate, but might have, had they been given the opportunity.
Our Mission
- To enhance the sensitivity and effectiveness of the organ and tissue procurement process;
- To provide opportunities for families to grieve and grow;
- To utilize the unique perspective and experiences of these families to increase organ and tissue donation.
Our Goals
- To serve as an advocate and provide support;
- To assess donor families' needs;
- To develop programs for families and professionals;
- To develop guidelines for donor family care;
- To improve and enhance communication;
- To collaborate to increase donation awareness.
All donor families, health care professionals and friends are invited to join the National Donor Family Council. Membership is free.
