We’re in this Together: Ways to Cultivate a Collaborative Relationship Between OPOs and Transplant Social Workers
Organ Procurement Organizations (OPOs) and Transplant Centers share a unique and powerful connection to saving lives. The collaboration between a transplant center and their OPO is vital not only to successful transplantation, but also to positive follow-up care for both donor families and the recipients who receive life-saving transplants. Fostering the unique relationship between OPOs and Transplant centers is rewarding and vital. However, challenges may arise, as both organizations strive to protect confidentiality and advocate for their respected client groups. This session will provide an overview of the donation process, discuss solutions and ideas for successful collaboration, as well as highlight the benefits of how we develop and strengthen relationships. We also hope to create a space for a robust and open dialogue to discuss opportunities for connection.
LICSW, Coordinator of Aftercare Services | LifeCenter Northwest (Ashlei); Pacific Northwest Transplant Bank (Rebecca)
Ashlei is the Donor Family Aftercare Manager at LifeCenter Northwest, the Organ Procurement Organization (OPO) serving Alaska, Montana, North Idaho and Washington. Ashlei has been at LifeCenter since June of 2015 and oversees the OPO’s Aftercare Department, which provides grief and bereavement support to donor families following donation. Ashlei has a clinical social work background, with an emphasis on grief and bereavement support for children and families. Since joining the team at LifeCenter Northwest, Ashlei has developed a strong passion for donation and transplantation due to daily demonstrations of generosity, selflessness, and compassion from donors and their families. Ashlei presented alongside Rebecca Simon 2018 at the STSW conference in Oklahoma City and virtually in 2020. Outside of work, Ashlei loves to travel with her husband and spend time outside in the beautiful Pacific Northwest.
Rebecca Simon
simonr@ohsu.edu
LMSW, Coordinator of Aftercare Services | Pacific Northwest Transplant Bank
Rebecca Simon, LMSW has been the Coordinator of Aftercare Services at The Pacific Northwest Transplant Bank (PNTB) since 2004. She has presented on behalf of PNTB for local hospitals, schools, and media regarding issues affecting donor families, organ donation, and grief and loss since she began in the field. Rebecca and Ashlei Lind presented in 2018 at the STSW conference in Oklahoma City and virtually in 2020.
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We’re in this Together: Ways to Cultivate a Collaborative Relationship Between OPOs and Transplant Social Workers
