EP 94: Uniting for Hope: The Merger Transforming Organ, Eye and Tissue Donation

This Thing Called Life

"Uniting for Hope: The Merger Transforming Organ, Eye and Tissue Donation”

We're thrilled to be back after our summer break, kicking off with exciting news about a transformative merger aimed at enhancing access to life-saving transplants. In this episode, hosts Andi Johnson, Julie Bergin, and Barry Massa delve into the merger between Kentucky Organ Donor Affiliates (KODA) and LifeCenter Organ Donor Network. Both organizations have a rich history of excellence in organ donation advocacy, and together they will rebrand as “Network for Hope.” This partnership will harness their combined strengths to bolster advocacy and community outreach efforts.

Join us as Julie and Barry share their inspiring personal journeys and reveal how their leadership has shaped this merger, paving the way for a brighter future for organ recipients in need of support. Don’t miss it!

Episode Highlights:

• Andi Johnson introduces guests Julie Bergin and Barry Massa and the upcoming merger of KODA and LifeCenter.
• Barry explains the merger journey, starting with their initial meetings at airports heading to national conferences, and the proximity of each organization.
• The conversation about the future of organ procurement organizations eventually led to discussions about merging the two organizations.
• The boards of both organizations were supportive of the merger.
• Julie shares her experience as a new leader in the industry and the support she received from Barry.
• Julie highlights the synergies between the two organizations, even before the merger conversation began.
• Barry discusses the smaller size of LifeCenter compared to other organ procurement organizations and the potential for both organizations to flourish together.
• Andi asks about the challenges faced during the merger process.
• Barry discusses the unique nature of organ procurement organizations and the need to work through nuances.
• Julie talks about the challenge of change and the importance of reassuring staff that the changes are for the betterment of the mission.
• Andi asks about the meaning of "Network for Hope" and its significance.
• Julie explains the importance of the word "network" in "Network for Hope," highlighting the collaborative nature of the mission.
• Barry adds that the name "hope" is crucial, as it represents the hope brought to donor families and recipients.
• Andi asks what advice Barry and Julie have for other OPO’s who are aiming for the same goal of merging.
• Barry says it is important to pick the right partner.
• The guests share their own experiences about some of the donors who have benefited from the gift of donation.
• Both Barry and Julie highlight the importance of community engagement and meeting people where they are.
• Julie brings up the special team that supports donor families.
• She also stresses the importance of one-to-one connections and providing resources for staff to better connect with families.
• Julie shares a personal story.
• Barry discusses the importance of providing emotional support.
• Resilience is a leader's responsibility and emotional support is crucial for staff to continue to work effectively.

3 Key Points:

1. Andi Johnson and guests Julie Bergin and Barry Massa discussed the merger between Kentucky Organ Donor Affiliates and LifeCenter Organ Donor Network.
2. Barry and Julie discuss the unique nature of organ procurement organizations and the need to work through nuances. They also talk about the challenge of change and the importance of reassuring staff that the changes are for the betterment of the mission.
3. They (Barry & Julie) express optimism about the future of Network for Hope and the importance of everyone working together to achieve their goals.

Tweetable Quotes:

1. “Barry was somebody who I was able to lean on as a new leader in this industry…” - Julie Bergin
2. “So I think we realized that there was synergies there, even before the conversation turned to to merge our organization.” - Julie Bergin
3. “We see an opportunity to really do things better…” - Julie Bergin
4. “None of us do everything exactly the same…” - Barry Massa
5. “Change in general is really hard for people, and our staff have had to deal with constant change, or the assumption that it's going to change, that has been a huge challenge, helping to inform them, reassure them, guide them.” - Julie Bergin
6. “I think that's the thing that people probably fear most, is losing that culture that each had. And yeah, it's going to change a little bit, but it's going to be better in the long run, right?” - Barry Massa
7. “Our whole job is to come to where they are, you know, see what their needs are, and to work with them to to allow donation to happen and still be respectful and mindful of the needs that they have as individuals.” - Julie Bergin

Resources:

https://getoffthelist.org/

https://lifepassiton.org/

https://lifepassiton.org/board-of-directors-leadership/

https://www.facebook.com/LifeCenterOH

https://www.youtube.com/user/LifeCenterOH

https://aopo.org/