Transplant Institute Social Workers Attend STSW Conference

The Society for Transplant Social Workers (STSW) held its 21st annual conference in Austin, TX, on October 16 - 18 this year with Vickie Loomer, MSW, and Michele Snyders, MSW, in attendance. Michele, a UNOS (United Network for Organ Sharing) Region 7 representative of the Patient Affairs Committee, was privileged to be part of a committee that presented at this conference. The committee researched and developed an evaluation tool and criteria for evaluating living organ donors. The hope is to have consistent evaluation criteria nationwide.

Included in the mission statement of the STSW is the challenge to "advocate for the psychosocial needs of transplant patients and their families". Avera McKennan is fortunate to employ professionals such as Vickie and Michele who work tirelessly at anticipating the needs of those about to undergo organ transplant, and advocate on behalf of those patients and their families.