National Kidney Donation Organization Supports Living Donor Employees

May 10 22:06 2022

Norwalk, CT – National Kidney Donation Organization (NKDO) is proud to announce they have joined the Living Donor Circle of Excellence. This program, an initiative from of the American Society of Transplantation (AST), celebrates employers who implement internal policies that provide salary support to their employees who choose to be a living organ donor.

Michael Lollo, president of NKDO, said, “I am thrilled to have NKDO join the AST Circle of Excellence. Every organization should have a policy in place to help remove disincentives to living organ donation so that their employees may consider the option to help change someone’s life.” 

John Gill, MD, President of the American Society of Transplantation, said, “Living donors are heroes amongst us, their gift is life-saving for patients in need of a kidney or liver transplant and has a huge positive impact on society. Patients facing life-threatening diseases are able to live normal lives, raise their families, and participate in their communities. By supporting living organ donors, we are also building stronger communities.” 

Today, more than 100,000 patients are waiting for a life-saving kidney or liver transplant. Of the transplants performed in 2021, living donors accounted for 24% of kidney transplants and 6% of liver transplants. Financial disincentives are a barrier for many potential living organ donors. Living organ donation typically includes a four- to six-week recovery period and many will use their vacation time or take unpaid absences during this period to donate.

The Circle encourages other employers to follow NKDO to help others in need of life-saving organ transplants. You can learn more about AST’s Living Donor Circle of Excellence here. 

About the American Society of Transplantation

Founded in 1982, the American Society of Transplantation (AST) is a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization dedicated to advancing the field of transplantation and improving patient care by promoting research, education, advocacy, organ donation, and service to the community. The society is the largest transplant organization in North America (consisting of more than 4,000 professional members) and is recognized as the premier society for transplantation. AST members are sought out as transplant experts and advocates. Other transplant organizations, policy makers, regulatory agencies, payors, academic institutions, and the general public look to the AST for guidance, research, and resources related to transplantation.

To learn more, visit: www.myast.org.

Media Contact
Company Name: National Kidney Donation Organization
Contact Person: Lisa Emmott
Email: Send Email
City: Norwalk
State: CT
Country: United States
Website: https://www.nkdo.org