About the Organ Procurement Organization (OPO)

Background

Established in 1966, the UW Health Organ Procurement Organization (OPO) is widely recognized as one of the most effective organ procurement programs in the nation.

The UW Health OPO is a hospital-based OPO and is accredited by the Association of Organ Procurement Organizations (AOPO).

Affiliation

The UW Health OPO is affiliated with the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), and is federally designated to provide service to 104 hospitals in Wisconsin, Michigan and Illinois.

Mission

The UW Health OPO dedicates its efforts to support, education and building and maintaining strong relationships. Its most important mission is servicing and supporting donor families. The UW Health OPO also works to educate the health care professionals in the 104 hospitals in its designated service area and takes a lead role in public and community education regarding organ donation.

By building and maintaining strong relationships, it works to increase organ donation throughout its service area.

Highlights

• Consistently ranked among the top three performing OPOs in the country.
• Developed the first diagnostic tool to assist health care professionals in evaluating potential for DCD (Donation after Cardiac Death)
• Continuing a tradition established by former Governor Tommy Thompson, hosts the Annual Governor's Gift of Life Medal Ceremony that honors donor families
• The only center to be recognized as a Best Practice Site by both the HRSA Organ Donation and Transplantation Breakthrough Collaboratives in all three areas: OPO, Transplant Center and Hospital.