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What Is Living Organ Donation?

Family of a living donor

With so few organs available for transplantation, living donation is the best way we have to continue to save lives. Transplanting organs from a living donor is the best means of donation because of the following benefits:

  • The quality of organs that are donated by living donors is usually better than organs from deceased donors. These organs last nearly twice as long.
  • The waiting time for a patient needing a transplant can be significantly shorter.
  • The procedure can be scheduled at a time that's convenient for both the donor and recipient.
  • The time between removing the organ (or part of the organ) and transplanting it in the recipient is less.
  • There is a lower chance of rejection. Also, the organ recipient will need fewer and lower doses of anti-rejection medication.

COVID-19 Information for Transplant Patients

Types of Living Organ Donation & Resources

Living Kidney Donation

University of Utah Health's Transplant Center offers a living kidney donation program to help patients who need kidneys find a faster donation option.

Robotic (Computer-Assisted) Surgery

Surgeons at U of U Health can perform organ transplants using robotic instruments that offer advanced precision, reduced recovery time, and smaller incisions/less scarring. Learn more about the transplant robotics team.

UNOS Resources

Are you considering living organ donation but have questions about donation? Learn more by reading the American Society of Transplantation’s Live Donor Toolkit and United Network for Organ Sharing “Living Donation Information You Need to Know.

Read the Living Donation Information

ASTS Resources

The American Society of Transplant Surgeons offers numerous resources. These include information about financial resources.

Read More From the ASTS

Living Donor Transplant: Hear From Our Patient

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    Living Donor Coordinators

    The living donor coordinator oversees the coordination of care for living donors, starting at the initial intake, through the evaluation process, surgery, and follow-up care. The living donor coordinator supports the transplant team by educating prospective donors about the living donation process.

    Coordinators also help care for donors throughout the donation process.

    Shalei Valentine, BSN, RN, CCTC, CCTN
    Living Donor Transplant Coordinator
    shalei.valentine@hsc.utah.edu 

    Amanda Boyd, BSN, RN
    Living Donor Transplant Coordinator
    amanda.boyd@hsc.utah.edu

    Haley Chamberlain, BSN, RN
    Living Donor Transplant Coordinator
    haley.chamberlain@hsc.utah.edu

    Bailey Oldham, BSN, RN
    Living Donor Transplant Coordinator
    bailey.oldham@hsc.utah.edu

    Hear From a Donor Coordinator

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      Independent Donor Advocate

      The independent living donor advocate's (ILDA) primary focus is to help potential living donors understand the non-medical problems, challenges, and changes that donation brings. Independent living donor advocates also evaluate the donor's emotional support, social support, and financial resources.

      The donor advocate is employed specifically to represent and advise the donor, protect and promote the donor's interests, and ensure that the donor's decision is informed and free from coercion. The donor advocate provides counseling and emotional support to donors and families as they proceed through the donation process.

      Independent Living Donor Advocate (ILDA)

      Angela Abd, ILDA
      angela.abd@hsc.utah.edu

      Social Worker

      Robin Cady, MSW, LCSW, CCTSW 
      Living Donor Social Work
      Office phone: 801-585-2054 
      robin.cady@hsc.utah.edu

      Living Donor Program Location

      We primarily see living donor patients at the University of Utah Hospital in Salt Lake City, located at 50 N. Medical Drive. In some cases, we may be able to accommodate evaluations near Boise, Idaho, depending on individual circumstances. Contact us to learn more about available options for your location.

      University of Utah Health, Living Donor Program

      50 N Medical Drive
      Area E, Room 2400
      Salt Lake City, UT 84132
      801-587-8816

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