Coronavirus

Lifebanc is Focused on Saving Lives During Uncertain Times

COVID-19 is impacting nearly every single American, and certainly all of us in Northeast Ohio. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the Lifebanc team continues to make every effort to ensure the fulfillment of its mission to save and heal lives. Lifebanc, Northeast Ohio’s organ procurement organization, is actively monitoring state and federal agencies, along with guidance from our own medical experts, to stay informed and act accordingly. As such, the organization would like to address FAQs and changes being implemented ASAP to address COVID-19, and ensure the health and safety for our doctors, nurses, donors, recipients, staff and the general public.

“Our mission is to save and heal lives, each and every day. This does not stop or even slow down despite circumstances,” explains Gordon Bowen, Lifebanc CEO. “Our teams are working tirelessly with area hospitals, and our internal staff, in order to stay vigilant so that we can continue to properly support the communities we serve while taking all necessary precautionary measures in response to the current pandemic.”

Our work to fulfill our lifesaving and healing mission has not stopped.  The Lifebanc office remains open at this time, however, we are restricting visitor access to essential staff and vendors. Therefore, the best way to contact our office is by contacting us by phone at 216.752.5433 or email info@lifebanc.org

FAQ’s

Q. Can an individual who tested positive for COVID-19 be a donor? A. Due to the lack of information about this strain of the virus, an individual that has tested positive for COVID-19 would not be a viable donor candidate. 

Q. Aside from COVID-19, there are other viruses/diseases people may have and don’t know it. When someone becomes a donor, are general tests performed to rule out donation? A. Serology testing is done to verify the safety and viability of all organs and tissues for transplant. It is a part of the extensive donation process in addition to medical and social history and chart review.

Q. What changes have Lifebanc made during this pandemic? A. Testing an infectious disease plan with area hospitals (note: certain Lifebanc employees are considered emergency personnel; our goal is to work with hospitals to modify our existing processes knowing they are quickly becoming inundated with COVID-19 and resources are scarce) Adjusting communication with and support resources for donor families; answering questions, providing information via teleconference. All Lifebanc in-person meetings/events/programs have been canceled/postponed through April 15th. All nonessential travel for Lifebanc staff has been canceled. All staff who meet remote requirements are working from home or satellite locations.

Q. How can I support Lifebanc during this time? A. Supporting the Lifebanc mission can be done digitally in a variety of ways:
Become a donor: https://www.lifebanc.org/how-to-help/register-as-a-donor/
Contribute: https://www.lifebanc.org/how-to-help/contribute-now/
Follow on social media (for more info, real-time updates, etc.)
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Lifebanc/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifebanc/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Lifebanc

Stories

The stories of our donor and recipient families are powerful, moving celebrations of life, hope, and love that get to the heart of why we do what we do, and the difference we can all make. Lifebanc believes that anyone can be a hero – and we see it every day in the generous decisions of people and families who choose and support organ and tissue donation. We’d like you to meet some of these heroes, and some of the Northeast Ohio neighbors they are helping.

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