The Real Impact of Organ Donation 

Becoming an organ donor is more than just checking a box while renewing your license. It’s a decision to make a life-changing, or even lifesaving, impact on someone else’s health. 

 

“Statistics show that an individual donor can help up to eight people, while tissue donors can improve the lives of up to 75 people,” said Jonie Stenack, Director of Nursing, Critical Care and Trauma Services at WVU Medicine Berkeley Medical Center. “Only a fraction of those eligible to donate are registered, so it really does make a difference.” 

 

Approximately 500 people in West Virginia are waiting for a transplant, according to Donate Life West Virginia.  

 

"Our Organ Procurement Organization, LifeNet Health, finds matches between donors and recipients,” Stenack said. “We take care of and maintain the patient and coordinate with our teams and the transplant teams for organ and tissue procurement.” 

According to their website, LifeNet Health supports donor families with grief, coordinates donor and recipient care, and works with transplant centers across the country through United Network for Organ Sharing to ensure all donations find the right recipient match. 

 

“Donate Life Month is special because it gives us a chance to really reflect on how much of a difference organ and tissue donation makes. It’s truly lifesaving,” Stenack said. “We want to help raise awareness of the true impact of organ donation, help educate the public so people can make informed decisions about becoming donors, and help facilitate registration.” 

 

To learn more about donation in West Virginia and register to be a donor: donatelifewv.org/register/