A message from Lifesharing Executive Director Lisa Stocks
March 19, 2020
First of all, I want to thank you all for doing your part to stop the spread of COVID-19 by washing your hands, practicing social distancing and simply staying home. These measures are critical to slowing the virus and ensuring that local hospitals are not overloaded with patients all at once. Together, we will flatten the curve!
Still, these are trying times — life has changed drastically in a matter of days. One thing that has not changed, however, is the critical need for organ donation.
Organ donation and transplant surgeries are still taking place
As I write this, there are more than 112,000 men, women and children in dire need of an organ. We are still working night and day to get them off of the waiting list. Transplant centers continue to operate and Lifesharing plays a critical role by coordinating organ donations from deceased patients.
What we’re doing to protect the public
We have always followed stringent protocols for preventing the transmission of infectious diseases. We are now taking additional actions to protect our families, staff and transplant recipients from the spread of COVID-19:
- All potential organ donors are now being tested for the novel coronavirus
- Additional screening measures have been put into place to quickly identify donors who may be at risk for COVID-19
- Lifesharing has limited the number of clinical staff who work in hospitals
- Administrative staff are working remotely from home
- All Lifesharing public outreach events have been postponed until further notice, including our Day of Remembrance Ceremony on April 4th.
We continue to monitor the situation and work closely with local, state and national health officials.
Why our work must continue
Statistically, less than 1% of us will die in a way that allows for organ donation — this has led to a severe shortage of organs. In those rare cases where organ donation is possible, our team must work quickly to preserve organs and find matching recipients. This lifesaving work cannot be delayed or postponed, or else lives will be lost. A single organ donor can save up to eight people. They can also heal dozens more through the gift of tissue donation.
These are challenging times for healthcare workers, but we are rising to the challenge. I want to thank our hospital partners and donor families for their continued support during this difficult time.
Lisa Stocks
Executive Director
Lifesharing
