The United Network for Organ Sharing, which is contracted by the federal government to manage the nation’s organ transplant system, approved St. Joseph’s program and the first liver transplant is expected to occur this fall.

Having performed more than 330 lung transplantations since opening eight years ago, St. Joseph’s Norton Thoracic Institute is currently the busiest lung transplant program in the Western United States. Just months after performing its first kidney transplant surgery, St. Joseph’s becomes the only hospital in Arizona with active liver, lung and kidney transplantation programs.

A single outpatient center to serve pre- and post-clinical care needs of liver, lung and kidney transplant patients will open later this summer in the McAuley Office Building, 500 W. Thomas. Road.

Currently, more than 2,000 people in Arizona are awaiting an organ transplant and of those, more than 450 are in need of a new liver. One organ donor can enhance up to eight lives and Arizona residents can register to be an organ and tissue donor online at www.DonateLifeAZ.org.

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