Association of Organ Procurement Organizations (AOPO)

The wrong words fuel fear about organ donation. Let’s fix that. Misinformation spreads fast, especially when outdated or harmful language is used. Words like “harvest” and “cadaver” create unnecessary fear and misunderstanding about donation. The truth? Organ donation is a selfless, life-saving gift that deserves respect. Let’s use words that honor donors and encourage more people to say ?????? to saving lives. Share this to help stop the fear and start the conversation using compassionate language.

Last week, Gift of Life Donor Program, Infinite Legacy, and Center for Organ Recovery & Education co-hosted a Transplant Growth Collaborative in Philadelphia, PA. The event welcomed 22 transplant programs to share insights and explore strategies for expanding access to transplant and maximizing the use of donated organs. Progress in transplantation is made possible through strong collaboration between transplant centers and OPOs.

After Brendan Costello’s passing, his family learned of his selfless decision to donate his organs, which saved at least three lives across the country. AOPO is proud of the work done by members like LiveOnNY, whose staff approached the Costello family with compassion and care to make Brendan’s wish possible. Every day, teams like theirs at OPOs across the country work around the clock to support all donors and their families. Over 100,000 patients across the U.S. need lifesaving transplants to survive. The decision to be a donor like Brendan can save up to 8 lives and enhance the lives of up to 75 people through tissue donation. Sign up as an organ donor at RegisterMe.org/AOPO50K and read Brendan’s story in The New York Times: https://lnkd.in/gVV3FHfq

AOPO is partnering with Econometrica, Inc. to advance the progress made by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in developing independently validated metrics for measuring OPO performance. With 54 OPOs committed, this initiative is a major step toward strengthening the organ donation and transplantation system. ? Jan Finn, Project Co-Chair & CEO, Midwest Transplant Network: “As an approved CMS-certified contractor, Econometrica, Inc. are well-equipped to develop, test, and validate comprehensive metrics that holistically capture the work of OPOs.” ? Barry Massa, Project Co-Chair & CEO at Network For Hope: “We are advocating for strong metrics that will offer the public a true picture of OPO performance…and deliver valuable data and insights that support our system partners and oversight bodies.” ? Learn more about how this effort enhances accountability, builds trust, advances equity, and ultimately save more lives. https://lnkd.in/djxrA9Ch

This #InternationalWomensDay, we honor the incredible women who dedicate their lives to saving and healing others through organ, eye, and tissue donation. Their compassion, expertise, and leadership inspire change and make a lifesaving impact. We are proud to recognize AOPO President Dorrie Dils, whose leadership embodies this commitment to making a difference. As she said, “This field is full of thousands of the most dedicated people in healthcare. You are here because you have a greater calling, and you know what?… you are making a difference.” Join us in celebrating all the women leading the way to save lives.

A record-breaking year for organ donation, but challenges remain. In 2024, OPOs recovered over 45,000 organs which were successfully transplanted to save lives, marking 14 years of growth. Yet, misaligned policies continue to stand in the way of saving more lives. AOPO is advocating for reforms to ensure every donated organ has the opportunity to save a life. ?? Read more in our latest Donation Perspectives blog:? https://lnkd.in/ewentnQ6

Nominate a Leader in Donation! ?? The AOPO Leadership Development Committee is seeking nominations for the AOPO Lifetime Achievement Award. This award honors individuals who have dedicated at least two decades to advancing the mission of donation, including 10 years in senior OPO leadership and active involvement in AOPO. Know someone who has made a lasting impact? Submit your nomination by March 31, 2025! ?? https://lnkd.in/gVZJukC8

In 2024, Organ Procurement Organizations (OPOs) recovered ???????? ????,?????? ???????????? for transplant, a historic milestone marking ???? ?????????????????????? ?????????? ???? ????????????. Yet, misaligned federal policies jeopardize this progress, putting patients at risk as more viable organs go unused. AOPO urges immediate action to ensure federal policies support, rather than hinder, the lifesaving work of OPOs and transplant centers. We must work together to maximize every donation opportunity and save more lives. Read more: https://lnkd.in/e9cqpn47

Exciting news! The Charlotte Woodward Organ Transplant Discrimination Prevention Act has been introduced! AOPO proudly supports this bipartisan legislation introduced by Congresswoman Kat Cammack and Congresswoman Debbie Dingell, which ensures that individuals with disabilities are not denied a life-saving organ transplant based on discriminatory assumptions. "As Organ Procurement Organizations (OPOs), we honor the gift of donation by ensuring every organ has the opportunity to save a life. This legislation reinforces the right to equitable access to transplantation, and AOPO remains committed to addressing disparities and strengthening the organ donation and transplant system." – AOPO President Dorrie Dils Thank you Rep. Kat Cammack, Rep. Debbie Dingell, and all organizations involved for their leadership in advancing this critical bill. ?? Learn more: https://lnkd.in/d7Mr2GgQ #OrganDonation #TransplantEquity #SaveMoreLives #CharlotteWoodwardAct #AOPO50K #DonateLife

Join us March 18-19, 2025, in Nashville, TN, for the National Collaboration Forum on Organ Machine Perfusion & Preservation! In partnership with Organ Donation & Transplantation Alliance (The Alliance), Association of Organ Procurement Organizations (AOPO), American Society of Transplant Surgeons, American Society of Transplantation, Gift of Life Institute, and NATCO - The Organization for Donation and Transplant Professionals, this event will explore the current state and future models of machine perfusion and preservation to maximize outcomes and strengthen partnerships. Through dynamic discussions, hands-on demonstrations, and critical conversations, attendees will gain valuable insights into improving organ quality, transport, and utilization. Be part of the collaboration shaping the future of organ preservation and transplantation as we work to advance patient outcomes and save more lives. Learn more and register today! https://lnkd.in/gzbk4-xc