Seventeen people die each day because they do not receive an organ transplant. At a recent Mecklenburg Ministries' Food for Thought lunch, Dr. David Carl commented, "I have a passion for the faith community to get re-involved with healthcare and remember the place of the Divine in healing." Read about how you and your congregation can impact this vital health issue in our community.

Three people who are alive today because they received an organ transplant were at the recent
Mecklenburg Ministries' Food for Thought lunch discussion on this topic. Seventeen people die each day because they do not receive an organ transplant. Dr. David Carl, head chaplain for Carolinas Medical Center said, "Until you have looked a parent in the eye whose child has died because there was not an organ available do you begin to put a face with these statistics."

David continued, "Faith communities originally were regarded as Healing Temples. An unfortunate
split of the Mind/Body/Spirit occurred particularly in our American culture when we rightfully began building hospitals and medical centers to specialize in best practices for meeting persons at times of physical trauma. I have a passion for the faith community to get re-involved with healthcare and remember the place of the Divine in healing."

Most often people are approached about organ donation after a loved one has died. However, this is
the worst time to think about donating an organ and the success rate is very low given the anguish of the family at this time. Dr. Carl implored clergy to get involved to lead our congregations to think about this crucial health issue before the time of death. "It is no that big of a jump between donating blood and donating organs."

Jack Holbein, a retired Air Force General shared his experience with receiving an organ transplant. Gen. Holbein contracted liver disease overseas while serving our country. He spoke about how the process for deciding who receives an organ transplant is unique, fair and consistent. One morning in July Jack received a phone call at 7am that there was a perfect match for his liver and he should be at the hospital in 90 minutes. Twenty four hours later, Gen. Holbein lay in the hospital with a new liver and a new lease on life. With deep emotion, Gen. Holbein told how he would soon be celebrating his 36th wedding anniversary. This would have never been possible without the donation of a person's organ. Some people ask if organ donation is a religious issue. All I have to say is I celebrate new life every day."

Anthony Reese is a chaplain for CMC. Ten years ago he went for his annual physical only to be told he had enlarged liver and without a transplant he would die. Anthony was on the transplant list for over two years. But at 4am one Christmas morning, an organ came available. However, by the time the match finally came, Anthony had been in a comma for 20 days. It was a difficult transplant because he had been sick for so long and had such high ammonia levels.

After the successful surgery, Anthony had to be taught to walk and talk all over again. But as he shared with the group gathered for the Food for thought lunch, "I have been reborn and given a second chance in life because someone said, 'Yes,' to organ donation." Anthony received a letter from the donor's wife. He had been 32 years old, a very spiritual man. "I don't know what took place that Christmas Eve, but I do know that his liver saved my life. Now, eight years after receiving a transplant at CMC, I am a staff chaplain helping families in their time of crisis."

Ten Ways Congregations Can Help

Your congregation can help increase awareness of donation and transplantation.

1. Encourage discussion about organ and tissue donation in your community now. It is much
easier for families to make a decision to donate before they face a crisis.
 

2. New life arising from death is a common religious theme. When appropriate, talk about
donation in your sermons and messages.
 

3. Lead prayer to remember those families who suffered loss through death, yet offered life
through organ and tissue donation. Include the thousands of men, women and children who continue to wait for desperately needed organs and tissues to save or improve their lives.
 

4. Work with community groups, religious organizations and families to promote public awareness of donation and transplantation.

5. Lead by example: Let your congregation know that you have signed a donor card and discussed the decision with your family.

6. Schedule educational presentations for your congregation's professional organizations. Your
local Organ Procurement Organization my be able to assist you.

7. Distribute donation information in your community through bulletins and newsletters.

8. Invite a donor family member or transplant recipient to speak during a service, youth class, or
adult ministry group.

9. Celebrate National Donor Sabbath with thousands of other congregations throughout the
country in November. Utilize the resources on this site or contact your local Organ Procurement Organization for additional materials. http://www.aopo.org/aopo/content/organizations/index.

10. Sign a donor card and tell your family and/or congregation today.
 

For more information, go to:
www.clergyorganprocurementeducation.org