Supporting living organ donation through paid leave can transform lives, reduce waiting time, and inspire a culture of giving.
The American Society of Transplantation (AST) is urgently reaching out to employers across the United States with a crucial message. They encourage companies to support living organ donation by offering paid leave for employees who become living donors.
Currently, over 100,000 people in the United States are waiting for life-saving organ transplants, and 16 people die every day while on the waiting list. These numbers highlight how crucial it is for more individuals to consider becoming living donors. By offering paid leave, employers can make it much easier for employees to donate without the stress of losing income.
A force for change
The AST’s Living Donor Circle of Excellence program is a powerful force in this effort. It provides employers a platform to showcase their commitment to supporting living organ donation through paid leave policies. Joining the program is free for companies and recognizes those who prioritize the health and well-being of their employees and the community.
Currently, 182 companies are part of this program, covering 2.7 million employees. This united effort demonstrates the significant role businesses can play in encouraging organ donation.
A profound impact
The emotional aspect of organ donation is profound. Every day, brave individuals decide to donate a kidney or liver. These decisions stem from personal experiences and a deep desire to help others.
One inspiring example is Brooke Larkowski, AST’s Transplant Community Program Manager. Brooke became a non-directed living kidney donor by utilizing the Circle of Excellence Leave program.
“Organ donation and transplantation is extremely personal to me,” Brooke shares. “I watched my dad give my mom the gift of life through living donation nearly 15 years ago. When I saw my mom come out of surgery and noticed the immediate changes in her health, I knew I wanted to do that for someone one day.” Brooke’s story is just one of many that illustrate the profound impact of living organ donation on both the donor and the recipient.
Brooke’s journey illustrates the powerful impact of living organ donation on both the donor and the recipient.
“I am so thankful AST supported me emotionally and financially through the process of donating a kidney. It allowed me to heal without the worry of missing a paycheck. I don’t know if I would have been able to give this gift without that support.” Brooke’s story emphasizes how paid leave policies can encourage more people to consider becoming living donors.
A culture of caring
The message is clear: together, we can change lives and offer hope to those waiting for organ transplants. By advocating for paid leave policies for living organ donors, we can help remove barriers and inspire more individuals to take this important step.
For more information on the American Society of Transplantation and the Living Donor Circle of Excellence program, please visit LivingDonorCircle.com. Let’s work together to create a future where everyone has the opportunity to save a life without the fear of losing their job. The time to act is now!
