Episode 51:The Donation Process From The Organ Procurement Organization Lens, With Christenne Wilson

During this episode of This Thing Called Life, host Andi Johnson continues the series on the donation process from the OPO (Organ Procurement Organization) lens. In the last episode we heard from Erica Randall of Donation Support Services. This week, Andi is speaking with Christenne Wilson, a long time staff member at Life Center; She is the Senior Donation Coordinator. She meets family in very difficult times. Tune in to hear about her experiences as it relates to the important process of organ donation. 

Episode Highlights: 

• Many people believe that organ, eye, and tissue donation is just a service of the hospital but Andi shares how it is much bigger than that and requires the collaboration of many.
• Christenne has been with the Life Center for over 20 years and is currently the Senior Donation Coordinator. She explains her role as one of the individuals who handles the evaluation, medical management, organ placement, and logistics of the operating room for an organ donation.
• Andi asks Christenne to share what kind of training and background is required to do work like she does.
• Christenne shares her personal experience with organ donation about her sister who had epilepsy and cerebral palsy.
• What does brain dead mean? Christenne shares facts that listeners may not be aware of. She explains the difference between that and vegetative state or coma.
• Organ donation and the education around it has grown significantly over the years. 
• Christenne explains her connection to the Life Center and how meaningful it has been to her on several levels.
• Christenne put herself to paraemedic school and applied as an organ coordinator.
• Andi asks Christenne how she prepares for her day and meeting with families in desperate times. 
• What happens at the bedside to evaluate potential organ donation?
• Christenne shares that some cases have changed her forever and how it has been a blessing.
•  What goes into supporting the families who are in contact with ?
• Andi talks about how COVID caused many people to reflect and seek more meaningful jobs.
• Andi asks Christenne to share what a typical work day looks like for a donation coordinator. 
• Logistics and time frames are very important in the process; Christenne explains.
• A lot of communication is required for this job because of the many pieces that must come together.
• An average case lasts about 72 hours so that the right thing is accomplished with the donor.
• Christenne talks about when organ gifts are placed in other locations.
• The donation coordinators are very passionate about giving each individual the best preservation options.
• Have you thought about registering to be a donor? Find out more at https://lifepassiton.org/

3 Key Points

1. Christenne shares her personal experience with organ donation when her sister passed away and saved several other lives.
2. Organ donation happens through the collaboration of many. Andi and Christenne talk through the organ coordinator role and the piece it is in the overall process.
3. Emotional taxation is high in the role that Christenne has. She talks about the challenges, blessings, and how she perseveres through. 

Resources Mentioned:

• LifeCenter (website) (Facebook) (Instagram) (YouTube) (Twitter)
• Andi Johnson (website) (LinkedIn)
• https://aopo.org/