Association of Organ Procurement Organizations (AOPO)

The federal shutdown should not be creating uncertainty for the organ donation and transplantation system. The stability of our nation’s donation system and the lives it saves must remain a priority to ensure life-saving work continues without interruption. Read more: https://lnkd.in/e6iFQ7NW

Manuel Rodriguez’s life was rooted in love, family, and hard work. When tragedy struck, his family made one final decision that changed everything – they said “yes” to organ donation, saving three lives.   Featured by WSMV, this story highlights the compassion and care of Tennessee Donor Services and reminds us of the power one decision can have to turn loss into hope and healing for those still waiting. Read more about Manuel’s legacy and the power of organ donation: https://lnkd.in/gwekgVEc Register your decision to be an organ donor hero like Manuel at: https://lnkd.in/e2Q__qGH

“The goal is that everybody gets a transplant” – Jeffrey Trageser MSN RN CPTC, AOPO President Organ donation saves more lives in the U.S. year-over-year thanks to the heroic generosity of organ donors and their families, as well as the everlasting commitments of our nation’s organ procurement organizations (OPOs) and transplant centers. At the same time, the number of organs that are recovered but go unused has also increased. It remains one of the most pressing challenges in organ donation and transplantation. We must better align the many stakeholders in this lifesaving system and improve how organs are matched and offered. Thank you, Atlanta News First, for exploring this critical issue. OPOs and transplant centers are working together to solve systemic challenges like organ non-use to ensure every donor can save lives, and every transplant patient can be saved. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eikKZ5Z6

When a donor or their family says ‘yes’ to organ donation, it sets a life-saving process in motion. OPOs work closely with hospital teams, transplant centers, and the national waitlist system to ensure each donated organ is matched with a patient in need. Clinical details like blood type, size, and function are entered into a secure national system governed by the OPTN. From there, transplant centers review offers and determine the best fit for their patients based on urgency, compatibility, and readiness. Every match is made with the goal of honoring the donor and reflecting a shared commitment to saving as many lives as possible. 💙 Swipe through to see how organ matching works and the care behind every step. 💚 Register your decision: RegisterMe.org/AOPO50K

Last week, AOPO CEO Steven L. Miller, MBA CAE, joined national thought leaders at the 33rd Annual AMAT Conference, “Strength in Unity: Advancing Donation & Transplantation in Changing Times.” During the fireside chat, Steve shared AOPO’s national perspective on advancing the future of donation and transplantation through collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to saving more lives. Thank you to the Association for Multicultural Affairs in Transplantation for an inspiring meeting! AOPO remains dedicated to working together to strengthen trust and ensure every donation opportunity leads to lives saved. 💙💚

Singer-songwriter and double-lung transplant recipient Chloe Temtchine and hip-hop artist Philly Freeway came together to create this powerful new song, “Heaven in the Darkest Place” - now live everywhere music is streamed. Both Chloe and Freeway know firsthand what it means to face life-threatening illness and find hope through organ donation. Chloe received a lifesaving double-lung transplant in 2020 after living with PAH and PVOD for 12 years. Freeway is a kidney transplant recipient who also honors the legacy of his children, Jihad and Harmony, who both became organ donors. Their hope is that this song reminds us that even in the darkest times, there is light and that saying “yes” to donation can give that light to someone else. 💙💚 Watch the official music video here: https://lnkd.in/eg9fF7x8 Sign up to be an organ donor: RegisterMe.org/AOPO50K

This week, Bobbie Shepherd celebrates 50 years with her donated kidney, making her one of the longest-living kidney recipients from a deceased donor in the U.S. Her journey began at just 7 years old thanks to the generosity of her donor and their family. Today, Bobbie honors that legacy through her children and 14 grandchildren and gives back as a volunteer with Lifeline of Ohio. Thank you to Lifeline of Ohio and WBNS-TV for sharing Bobbie's incredible milestone and highlighting the lasting impact of donation. Bobbie’s story is a powerful reminder that organ donation saves lives and touches generations. Sign up to be an organ donor at RegisterMe.org/AOPO50K https://lnkd.in/ev9vAXkm

Today, we pause to remember the events of September 11, 2001 – a day that profoundly impacted our nation and all of us. In the midst of a nationwide tragedy, the organ donation community selflessly stepped up, demonstrating collaboration, resilience, and commitment to saving lives. 24 years ago, our community joined national guardsmen to ensure a life-saving liver was transported to a six-month-old baby, even with airports across the nation shut down. Today, her life is a testament to the tireless work OPOs do to provide hope and second chances, even in the moments of greatest fear and despair. Join us in honoring the fearless first responders, including the first responders of organ donation, on a day never to be forgotten. Learn about the lifesaving efforts of the OPO community on 9/11 here via ABC News: https://lnkd.in/d2yhtsxP

AOPO CEO Steven L. Miller, MBA CAE, recently visited New England Donor Services and had the opportunity to connect with their team, including AOPO’s Medical Advisor-Elect, Dr. Charles Strom. Thank you to the NEDS team for the warm welcome and for your continued leadership and commitment to saving lives through innovation, collaboration, and compassionate care.

“𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝘂𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼𝗴𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿.”   In his first address as AOPO President, Jeffrey Trageser MSN RN CPTC reminded us of the power of unity across OPOs, hospitals, and families – all working toward one shared goal: saving more lives.   Watch this moment from Jeff’s speech and read more takeaways in AOPO’s latest blog post: https://lnkd.in/eJs62xhr