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NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

A Message From Network for Hope

The recent news coverage about Network for Hope (NFH and f/k/a Kentucky Organ Donor Affiliates (KODA)) and a case involving a potential organ donor from October 2021 greatly misrepresents an organ procurement organization’s (OPO) role in organ recovery and the organ donation process. Public trust is vital to our efforts in providing lifesaving organ transplants to others, and we are deeply concerned that these misrepresentations have eroded the public trust in NFH and in the organ donation system. We want to reassure you of NFH’s commitment to transparency, compassion, ethical practices, and the highest standards in organ donation.

Therefore, we want to make the following abundantly clear:

1. Organ donation only occurs after either brain death or cardiac death has been declared by the patient’s health care provider. Importantly, this case was referred to KODA as a potential Donation after Cardiac Death (DCD) case, not a potential Brain Death (BD) case. As with all DCD cases, in this case, the patient’s family was informed about the organ recovery process for potential DCD donors. The family acknowledged that their decision to withdraw life support was made prior to and independent of any discussion or consideration of organ and tissue donation. The family also acknowledged their understanding that only after the provider discontinues life support and only after the patient has progressed to cardiac arrest, would the patient’s physician declare death. Importantly, the family acknowledged that if the patient did not experience cardiac death within a certain time frame, the patient would remain in the care of the provider and be transferred back to an appropriate area of the hospital. In this case, before life support was withdrawn, the patient’s condition improved, and the organ recovery was cancelled.

2. OPOs do not provide patient care or declare death. We are only authorized to proceed with organ recovery after a patient’s independent healthcare provider has declared death.

3. OPOs are non-profit organizations, and they are reimbursed by the transplant centers that accept organs on behalf of transplant patients. OPOs may only bill for costs incurred in facilitating the organ donation process, and the reimbursement process is overseen by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

Organ Procurement Organizations (OPOs) do not declare death; we only proceed with organ recovery after an independent healthcare provider has officially declared the patient deceased. Organ donation is a life-saving procedure, and we remain dedicated to providing accurate information and maintaining the public’s trust in the donation and transplant system. While we are unable to discuss specific details regarding the current case, our organization is fully cooperating with investigating agencies and maintains an unwavering commitment to honoring and respecting donors and their families.

It’s Official: We’re Network for Hope!

As of October 1st, 2024, Kentucky Organ Donor Affiliates (KODA) and LifeCenter Organ Donor Network have merged to become Network for Hope. This merger will bring enhanced resources, expanded reach, increased access, and a bigger team dedicated to saving even more lives. Together, we are devoted to honoring the gift of life, uplifting communities, and offering steadfast support to everyone touched by organ, tissue, and eye donation.

This Thing Called Life

Catch Barry Massa and Julie Bergin on ‘This Thing Called Life’ podcast with Andi Johnson. They discuss the transformative merger between LifeCenter Organ Donor Network and Kentucky Organ Donor Affiliates. Together, they unveil a new era of hope, innovation, and life-saving impact in organ donation. Tune in to hear how this collaboration will revolutionize our mission and bring life-changing solutions to more people than ever before.

Media Kit

Network for Hope’s Community Relations team works to provide accurate information to the public in regards to organ, tissue, and eye donation and transplantation.

Our Mission: With our partners and community, we honor, save, and heal lives by empowering people, enhancing capabilities, and expanding the impact of organ, tissue, and eye donation.

Outreach

For expert commentary, clarification, or additional information, or to schedule an interview, please contact Andi Johnson, Vice President of Community Relations, at ajohnson@networkforhope.org or
(513) 578-6811

Branding

For branding help, questions about usage, or to obtain logos, please contact Kayla Lunt, Communication Specialist, at klunt@networkforhope.org or
(502) 553-5931.

Brand Guidelines

Our brand is more than just a color palette or logo. It embodies our values and vision. Driven to end the wait for those needing life-saving organ transplants, we save and heal more lives by empowering people, enhancing capabilities, and expanding the impact of organ, tissue, and eye donation in our community. We are sharing our brand guidelines publicly to help our partners and community members understand the standards applicable to the use of our brand.