Social Media Advocates Help Patients Find Living Kidney Donors in New Pilot Program

A new pilot program in Pennsylvania is testing a novel approach to finding living kidney donors by connecting patients with volunteers who promote their stories on social media. Led by filmmaker David Krissman and supported by the Gift of Life Donor Program, the initiative helps those with limited personal networks amplify their search through “angel advocates.” Fifteen patients across three hospitals—Temple, UPMC-Harrisburg, and Jefferson—are participating. The program has already led to successful matches and surgeries for several participants. Among them is Ahmad Collins, a former Penn State linebacker and current Harrisburg city worker, who undergoes nightly dialysis after a botched medical procedure. The project aims to create a replicable model to increase living donations, especially for underserved patients.

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Source: AP News