Seekers of Meaning 11/15/2024: The Vital Importance of Organ Donation, with Lara Moretti from the Gift of Life program

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On this week’s episode of the Seekers of Meaning TV Show and Podcast, Lara Moretti, director of family support services for the Gift of Life organ donation program, discusses the critical importance of organ donation.

They discuss the evolving awareness and acceptance of organ donation within the Jewish community and beyond, the processes involved in organ donation, and the importance of family conversations about end-of-life decisions. Moretti emphasizes the significance of understanding organ donation as a modern mitzvah and addresses common myths surrounding organ donation and transplantation. The conversation also highlights the challenges faced by families and the support provided by organizations like Gift of Life.

Key Takeaways

• Awareness of organ donation has significantly increased in the Jewish community.
• All major religions support organ donation as a good deed.
• Age does not disqualify someone from being a donor; evaluation is case by case.
• The success rates of organ transplants have improved dramatically over the years.
• The organ donation process involves multiple steps and requires timely communication with families.
• Clergy play a vital role in educating their congregants about organ donation and providing spiritual support to families during crises.
• Outreach to diverse communities is essential for effective organ donation education.
• Myths about organ donation, such as age and personal connections, need to be addressed.
• There are no costs to the donor’s family; the recipient’s insurance covers transplant costs.
• Support for grieving families is a critical aspect of the organ donation process.

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About the Guest

Lara S. Moretti, LSW, FT

Lara S. Moretti, LSW, FT has presented to hospitals, schools and various professional groups about grief, donation and transplantation in her role as Director, Family Support Services for Gift of Life Donor Program in Philadelphia, PA. Lara has been with Gift of Life since 2003. She has presented to numerous national organizations, including the Hospice Foundation of America, Association of Organ Procurement Organizations (AOPO), The Organization for Donation and Transplant Professionals (NATCO), Transplant Recipients International Organization(TRIO), Association of Death Education and Counseling (ADEC), the Society for Transplant Social Workers, Transplant Games of America and for the Gift of Life Institute. Several times a year, she leads a didactic, “Communicating with a Grieving Family” for all new clinical staff at Gift of Life Donor Program. Lara obtained her BS in Education and Social Policy from Northwestern University (Evanston, IL) and her MS in Social Work from Columbia University (New York, NY). Lara is a licensed social worker in the state of Pennsylvania and is a Fellow in through the ADEC.

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