AOPO President’s Address:
What OPOs Do Matters in Saving Lives
Our President, Dorrie Dils, took the stage at AOPO’s Annual Meeting in a stunning pink suit, delivering an inspiring Barbie-themed President’s Address. Much like in the movie, when Barbie’s life is turned upside down and she must navigate a strange, new world, Organ Procurement Organizations are in a moment of great transformation. Dorrie’s message to our community was clear: together, “if we buckle up and buckle down,” we have the potential to “redefine our industry,” and save more lives through organ donation and transplantation.
Dorrie’s speech addresses key themes that are top of mind for OPOs, and below are some of our favorite quotes.
Watch her full President’s Address on AOPO’s YouTube Channel.
Reflecting on AOPO’s Value
“The Association of Organ Procurement Organizations has long been the vehicle for our uniquely collaborative field. It has been through AOPO that we have worked to solve many of the challenges that we face when trying to serve our communities, our donor families and patients who are desperately waiting for a transplant.”
“The value of this Association, in my mind, is immeasurable and I hope over the next year we can continue to strengthen AOPO to serve our membership… We must continue to fill the space with the tension – and the passion –it takes to solve these very complex problems. People’s lives depend on us to do so.”
“I also believe that it is through this association our leadership development occurs and it is vital we continue to grow and mentor our future leaders… I believe we will be better served by inviting the newer voices to the table and listening more than talking. I know there are many new and innovative ideas out there, and I look forward to hearing from all of you.”
“This national association is the impetus for doing our work… Our mission is best served by creating an association we can all participate in and be proud of. The association is only as strong as its participating members… I urge you to step up. We need to hear from you, we need your ideas on what is missing, and what we should try. Nothing should be off the table.”
“I believe we as the Association of Organ Procurement Organizations have the power to make things right and save more lives. As Barbie says: “Magic happens when you believe in yourself.” And I believe in all of you. Let’s make some magic happen!”
The OPO Mindset
“I want to first say I know we need to do more, we need to keep pushing and striving, and I know everyone in this room agrees with that. No one wants a patient to die waiting for an organ transplant. But we are not failing – we are not the enemy… I have spent my entire career in this field, and I’ve been privileged to meet and work beside so many incredibly dedicated and selfless people who have literally given their lives to this cause.”
“There are many reasons why an OPO will perform better than another in a given year. The reasons are granular and they’re unique. I believe wholly in accountability and responsibility for growth and continued improvement… I also know that if any one of us had the magic bullet to increase transplants we’d use it and we’d share it with everyone.”
“We know that in the last five years we have increased the number of deceased organ donors by 38%, the number of organs recovered by 30% and the number of organs transplanted by 22%. The truth is, that is happening because of all of you, because of us. This field is full of thousands of the most dedicated people in healthcare. You are here because you have a greater calling, and you know what?… you are making a difference.”
“Because of you, a woman who waited 76 days in the hospital for a new heart and kidney after her first heart failed got the call and she was able to spend Thanksgiving last year at home, with her family, making mashed potatoes full of gratitude for her donor, her donor family, and all of you who make those miracles possible.”
Navigating Challenges & Embracing Growth
“I also know that none of us rest easy when people still die in the US waiting for an organ transplant. We want them all to get the organ that they need, but the work is complicated and the many entities working within the process must improve, not just the OPOs. Simply adding regulations to one part of the system – or regulations that are not aligned across all stakeholders – will not solve all the issues. Donation has been rising for many years, we’ve always understood the urgency, and we’ve always pushed ourselves to do more. And the truth is, transplant is not growing at the same rate… the advances must continue across the entire donation system. We cannot continue to recover precious organs only to go back to a grieving family and tell them we were unable to use them. It’s a secondary loss for them and it’s a tragedy for those who died on the list waiting.”
“Failing systems do not have 13 record-breaking years in a row. They do not facilitate 128 organ transplants every day. And they do not provide life-saving gifts to almost 40,000 people last year. We are also acutely aware that over 11,000 patients were either removed from the list because they were too sick to transplant or died while waiting and that is unacceptable, but we also know that based on the NASEM report, every patient who died on that list had at least 16 organ offers that were not accepted for them. We know that more patients should be on the list, particularly in black and brown communities. Half a million people in the US are on dialysis and many of them could benefit from a kidney. We all know these facts and our growth must continue.”
Final Words of Motivation: What You Do Matters
“Thank you for giving me this opportunity to serve. I am happy to lead, but it takes all of us together to be successful. And, I know that we can and will be successful if we continue to focus on the good work we do and where we can do better. Sometimes that can be daunting with what feels like constant attacks being thrown our way, but what you do matters. It matters to the donor families that we are privileged to walk beside through their most difficult days, and it matters to the thousands who desperately need organ transplants.”
Thank you,
Dorrie Dils
AOPO President
