Together, we can ensure the best outcomes for patients undergoing organ transplant or ventricular assist device implantation, by providing them with the psychiatric support they may need during a very challenging time.
Supporting Patients in Mind, Body, and Spirit
Virtua Health is the only provider of kidney, pancreas, and liver transplant services in South Jersey. Additionally, our Heart Care program provides left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation for patients living with heart failure. An LVAD device may be used for patients awaiting heart transplant.
We know that patients with end stage kidney, liver and heart disease face overwhelming emotional and psychological challenges pre- and post-transplant. To ensure the best outcomes for patients undergoing organ transplant or ventricular assist device implantation, we must provide psychiatric support to patients at what can be a very challenging time.
A Second Chance at Life Isn’t Easy
A psychiatry team that specializes in organ transplantation and organ failure will help ensure our patients can be well, get well and stay well as they go through their health journey. By hiring a transplant psychiatrist and a nurse practitioner, we will be able to help patients struggling with anxiety, depression, alcohol and substance use disorders, and other mental health issues.
The care team can evaluate and help patients with these issues, as well as address other mental health symptoms and disorders, whether they’re an ongoing or reoccurring problem, or something new that the patient has developed because of their illness, transplant, or medications.
Anxiety and depression are common among patients living with organ failure. Patients with depression may feel sad or irritable and no longer be interested in things they previously enjoyed. They may have changes in appetite, sleep, memory and concentration. They may even struggle with thoughts of death or suicide.
Patients with anxiety may worry about all aspects of their health journey. They and their families may be especially anxious about whether the patient will actually receive a new organ or device, how well it will function and for how long, and the risk of complications. This journey can be difficult for the patient and their family, and having the support of a psychiatry team can help ensure that patients stay motivated to take medications, monitor their health, get exercise, go to medical appointments, and be proactive about their care.
How You Can Help
With help from our philanthropic partners, we will be able to introduce much-needed psychiatry services into our transplant and organ failure programs at Virtua Health.
To fund this project for a pilot period of 12-18 months, we’re working to raise approximately $865,000 in philanthropic support. We anticipate that, once this pilot period is over, we will be able to underwrite the cost of psychiatric services as a fully integrated part of the transplant and organ health operating budget. Together, we can help patients overcome the hurdles that prevent transplant and implantation eligibility, treatment compliance, recovery, and a better quality of life.
Support this Initiative
Get Involved
If you would like to learn about how you or your organization can take part in the supporting this impactful program, contact us today to speak with a member of our philanthropy team.
Call Us: 856-355-0830
Email Us: gratitude@virtua.org