Avera Supports Living Donor Employees

Avera Health is proud to announce they have joined the Living Donor Circle of Excellence. This program, an initiative of the American Society of Transplantation (AST) celebrates employers that provide salary support to their employees who choose to be a living organ donor.

"In keeping with Avera's mission and beliefs, we uphold human dignity, protect life and promote the common good, that includes the willingness to be a living donor," said Kim Jensen, Chief Human Resources Officer at Avera. "Avera's benefits include expanded leave pay to support our employees who choose to donate."

"As a health care system that offers solid organ transplant, we know the incredible difference transplant makes in the lives of our patients," said Glen Geditz, Director of the Avera Transplant Institute.

John Gill, MD, Founder of the Living Donor Circle of Excellence said, "Living donors are heros amongst us, their gift is lifesaving 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 lifesaving 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 help people in need of lifesaving 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.