Saint Luke’s recognized nationally for high organ donation rates

Dec. 28, 2010 - PRLog -- KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Saint Luke’s Hospital has been awarded the Medal of Honor for Organ Donation from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for its success in increasing the number of organs available for transplantation. This is the sixth consecutive year that Saint Luke’s Hospital has achieved the award.

Hospitals received the Medal of Honor for achieving and sustaining national goals for donation, including a donation rate of 75 percent or more of eligible donors at their facilities. They were recognized at the Sixth National Learning Congress for the Donation and Transplantation Community of Practice held in Grapevine, Texas.

Outstanding individuals selected from nominees in each of the 11 regions of the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) received awards as Regional Champions, and were recognized for making a difference and creating a positive impact on the field of organ donation and transplantation as a result of their passion, dedication and diligent effort.

Nancy Long, RN, director of the cardiovascular operating room and transplant administrator at Saint Luke’s, was named Regional Champion for Region 8, which represents the states of Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri, Kansas, Colorado and Wyoming. Long is the first non-physician recipient for the region.

“These organizations and individuals have all made a real difference by working to increase the number of organs available for transplantation,” said Mary K. Wakefield, Ph.D., RN, administrator of HHS’ Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), which leads federal efforts to increase organ and tissue donation and transplantation. “We are proud of their efforts. Together, they are helping to save and improve the lives of individuals across America.”

HRSA’s Donation and Transplantation Community of Practice brings together donation and transplantation professionals, hospital staff and other professionals who touch the donation process to identify and share best practices.

Saint Luke’s Hospital performed 37 heart and 51 kidney transplants in 2009. This year, 42 heart and 23 kidney transplants have been performed to date.

“Our intensive care units and emergency department have worked diligently to provide outstanding care for both potential organ donors and their families,” said Long. “That dedication to organ donation coupled with our partners at Midwest Transplant Network has allowed us to achieve these results. Because of the gifts of life from our donor families, many people in the Kansas City area have received a second chance at life through transplantation.”

HRSA has federal oversight of the nation’s organ donation and transplantation network.  For more information, visit http://www.organdonor.gov.

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Saint Luke's Health System based in Kansas City, Mo., consists of 11 area hospitals in northwest Missouri and eastern Kansas, and several primary and specialty care practices. We provide a range of inpatient, outpatient and home care services.