120,000 individuals nationwide are waiting for an organ transplant. Over 1,800 are Louisiana citizens.
The Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency, or LOPA, works to educate the public about the dire need for registered donors, and to connect donors and recipients. The agency holds a volunteer meeting Saturday, May 14 at 10 a.m. at Swartz First Baptist Church.
Last year, LOPA broke its own record with 600 organs donated. The agency uses many different avenues to help patients waiting to receive these life saving operations.
"We offer lots of different services, we educate Diver's Ed classes, we do community education, and we help to educate doctors and hospital staff as well," says Community Educator Leah Lopez.
For many it can be a surprise to find out they need an organ in the first place. they are then placed at the end of an ever-growing waiting list.
Organ recipient Katie Collins didn't even know she needed a liver transplant until doctors diagnosed her with a rare disorder that causes blood clots. "By the time I received my transplant there were two blood clots," says Collins.
Donors can register at the local office of the Louisiana Department of Motor Vehicles, or register at LOPA's website. According to Lopez, it's important to inform family members of this decision.
More information about LOPA, upcoming events, recipient stories, and how to register as an organ donor can be found online at the LOPA website.
