St. Dominic’s Hospital marked the beginning of the month by raising the Donate Life flag, honoring the dedication of doctors and nurses involved in organ donation procedures.
Kevin Stump, CEO of the Mississippi Organ Recovery Agency (MORA), emphasized the collaborative effort required for successful organ, tissue, and eye donations. “Organ donation is a very collaborative process involving numerous organizations and individuals. It depends on hospitals working with us to ensure families have the opportunity to donate,” Stump explained.
In Mississippi, many organ donation procedures are conducted at MORA’s headquarters in Flowood. The facility includes a pre-recovery unit, resembling an ICU, where potential donors are moved with family permission if they meet donation criteria. “Being close to the airport is advantageous for organs being sent to other states, allowing teams to move efficiently,” Stump added.
MORA serves as a comprehensive center for these critical, time-sensitive procedures. The facility’s proximity to Jackson’s airport is vital, ensuring organs reach their destinations swiftly. Chad Wiles, MORA’s Clinical Facility Manager, highlighted the importance of this location, noting it takes only 10 to 15 minutes to reach the airport, facilitating the timely transport of recovered organs.
Residents can support these lifesaving efforts by registering as organ donors at their local Department of Motor Vehicles. Stump noted, “When individuals renew their driver’s licenses in Mississippi, they can opt for the ‘little red heart,’ signifying first-person authorization. Additionally, those obtaining hunting or fishing licenses also have this opportunity.”
MORA manages between three and thirteen organ donations monthly, underscoring the ongoing need for registered donors.
