March is National Kidney Month, and as the largest specialty pharmacy resource for transplant services in Maine, we wanted to send some love and appreciation to our fantastic clients and the local transplant medical community.
To address the nation’s critical organ donation shortage and improve the organ matching and placement process, the U.S. Congress passed the National Organ Transplant Act* (NOTA) in 1984. The act established the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) to maintain a national registry for organ matching. The act also called for the network to be operated by a private, non-profit organization under federal contract. This database features the most accurate and up to date data on transplants of all kinds by state. For example, as of March 11 of this year, 99,524 patients are waiting for kidney transplants; however, only about 17,000 people will receive kidney transplant surgery. Of these, 3,829 individuals are waiting for a kidney transplant in our region which includes New England and Rhode Island.
Most people are born with two kidneys, but we only need one to survive. Kidneys function to keep blood minerals in balance with an extensive filtering system to remove toxins, waste and water. They also activate vitamin D, and regulate blood pressure, red blood cell production and more. Annual testing and an active lifestyle that includes lower sodium, exercise and reduced processed foods are all important preventative steps towards kidney health.
The two leading causes of kidney failure are diabetes and hypertension. Once kidney function declines or disease sets in; dialysis may be required. Dialysis is a mechanical filtering of the blood to remove toxins and waste that the sick kidneys can no longer remove. At this stage, the wait for a kidney transplant often begins.
One organ donor can save up to 8 lives. Make sure you and your family has talked about the options of being organ donors. If you are interested in being an organ donor you can sign up with the national registry at http://www.organdonor.gov/becomingdonor/index.html.
Life after organ transplant can be challenging for patients and their families, full of unknowns, new symptoms and complex medication treatment plans. Transplant recipients are prescribed an array of medications that play a vital role in keeping the new kidney working normally. Managing such a complicated medication schedule can be difficult, especially in the first year after transplant. At Coastal Pharmacy & Wellness we understand how to support patients both before and after their transplant procedures, and have a team in place to provide integrated and coordinated case management promoting education, independence and wellness. We also offer comprehensive benefit investigation, support and advocacy by our accessible and highly trained team. Thank you Maine, for choosing us as part of your transplant medical team!
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Coastal Pharmacy & Wellness Staff
