We know that these uncertain times may bring about fear, anxiety and questions for many within the transplant community. The information below is designed to help offer insight and guidance during this constantly changing situation.
As the impact of COVID-19 (coronavirus) on our region’s health continues to evolve alongside the number of cases, CORE continues to closely monitor the situation. The well-being of CORE staff, hospital partners, Advocates and visitors continues to be our top priority. As of now, CORE will not be allowing guests in the building, in an effort to protect the safety of both the visitors and CORE staff.
Although we remain optimistic that this threat will soon be contained, it’s important that the public knows that CORE’s clinical team will continue to Save and Heal lives through donation, no matter the duration or impact of COVID-19. We will never stop working on behalf of the more than 112,000 people across the country who need a life-saving transplant and the donor families who find comfort in donation’s lasting legacy.
We are all in the midst of a very disruptive and challenging time. CORE’s guiding values — compassion, education, innovation, integrity, quality, life, responsiveness, respect — will be essential as we all face the challenges ahead.
To support our dedicated hospital partners during the COVID-19 pandemic as they treat those with this disease today and in the future, CORE is cancelling all events and programs indefinitely.
This decision follows guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), along with state and county health departments. It was not made lightly. But we believe we are taking the necessary steps to help ensure the continuing good health of our community, including transplant recipients and waiting list candidates who are among those most at-risk for this virus.
We fully support the need for heightened sensitivity and precautions related to infectious diseases, as a number of those in the transplant community may have weakened immune systems as a result of treatment and medication. We encourage all to take the necessary steps to reduce chances of infection, as outlined by the Pennsylvania Department of Health and West Virginia Department of Health & Human Resources.
As the situation with COVID-19 continues to evolve, information will change rapidly. The American Society of Transplantation (AST) has developed a Transplant Community FAQs page to provide transplant recipients, waiting list candidates and the entire transplant community with information and answers to their questions. The page will be updated as new information becomes available.
United Network for Organ Sharing — News and resources for organ procurement organizations and transplant hospitals about COVID-19
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — Coronavirus (COVID-19)
American Society of Transplantation (AST) — COVID-19 Resources for Transplant Community
Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) — Information for transplant programs and OPOs regarding 2019 Novel Coronavirus
American Association of Tissue Banks (AATB) — COVID-19 Updates
Association of Organ Procurement Organizations (AOPO) — COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Bulletin
Our thoughts are with everyone affected by COVID-19. We are deeply appreciative of the dedication and commitment shown by healthcare staff not only throughout our service region, but around the world. And, as always, thank you for your advocacy and support during this evolving situation.