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In This Issue:
April is National Donate Life Month
Transplant surgeries would not be possible without the generosity and courage of families who choose to donate their loved ones’ organs.
“These are people who, in the most difficult moment of their lives, make a decision that will save the lives of others,” Martha Burke, MSW, LICSW, director of Social Work and Clinical Services, said.
Earlier this month, a Roxbury mother was in such a position, as her 32-year-old son suddenly became ill and was declared brain dead. “The decision to donate came from my heart,” said his mother, who asked to remain anonymous. “I knew this would save others.”
She said this decision brought her peace amid tragedy, as she had known people who died on the waiting list for a kidney transplant. Her son’s liver and kidneys were donated.
In order to preserve the possibility that a family can make this gift if they choose, a team from the New England Organ Bank (NEOB) is available to BWH staff around the clock when there is potential for donation, collaborating with physicians, nurses, social workers and chaplains.
“Organ donation doesn’t happen naturally,” said Kevin Kiely, the NEOB hospital relations coordinator for BWH. “It takes a tremendous team effort to make it work.”
Once a physician, nurse or other member of the care team identifies a potential donor, a clinical coordinator from the NEOB works with the care team to assess the medical situation. During this time, an NEOB family support counselor works with physicians, nurses, social workers and chaplains to decide if the family is ready emotionally to hear about organ donation.
“Only when the team determines that the family is at a point where donation might be something they want to hear or consider do we sit down to talk with them,” Kiely said. “Whether or not the family decides to donate, the BWH and NEOB family support team counsels them on end-of-life issues.”
Often, a nurse, physician, social worker or chaplain whom the family trusts remains in the room for the conversation to offer support. “Depending on what the family wants, we help them think through the decision and what it means for them, without attempting to sway them one way or the other,” said social worker Rachel Holley, LICSW, who supported the Roxbury mother as she decided to donate her son’s organs.
As the family is approached, an NEOB clinical coordinator works behind the scenes to assess the patient’s organs and identify potential recipients. “Once a family says yes, our job is to save as many lives as we can,” Kiely said.
The need for organs continues to grow, making every donation a precious gift. “Public opinion polls show greater than 90 percent support organ donation, but less than 50 percent of people in the position to donate a loved one’s organs do,” Kiely said.
Kathleen Gallivan, PhD, director of Chaplaincy Services at BWH, said, “Families who make this incredibly generous decision are inspirations for the whole team.”
After donation, the NEOB offers support for as long as families need it. Many donor families even become volunteers for the NEOB to raise awareness of organ donation.
“Within weeks or months, many donor families tell us they feel grateful about their decision to donate,” Kiely said. “It brings comfort and solace knowing a life was saved in the midst of tragedy.”
For more information, e-mail Kevin Kiely at Kevin_kiely@neob.org