AOPO WINS 2024 POWER OF ASSOCIATIONS GOLD AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN HBCU SUPPORT AND OPO TASK FORCE
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Posted By: Catalina Deossa on July 26, 2024 On July 25, 2024, the Association of Organ Procurement Organizations (AOPO) received the Power of Associations Gold Award from the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE). This prestigious award honors AOPO's Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) & Organ Procurement Organizations (OPOs) Task Force initiative, which has significantly advanced efforts to increase organ donation and transplantation rates among Black Americans. The Task Force has successfully established collaborations between OPOs and HBCU medical schools, including Meharry Medical College, Tennessee Donor Services, Morehouse School of Medicine, LifeLink of Georgia, Howard University School of Medicine, Infinite Legacy, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine & Science, and OneLegacy. These partnerships are designed to enhance organ donation by providing valuable educational opportunities and fostering a deeper understanding of the organ donation process among future healthcare professionals. A key element of the initiative is a hands-on educational program where medical students gain practical experience by shadowing organ donation professionals. This program allows students to learn about the intricate process of organ donation, including identifying eligible donors, communicating with grieving families, participating in organ recovery surgeries, and matching organs to recipients. This approach helps bridge gaps in knowledge and builds essential skills for the field. Meharry Medical College and Tennessee Donor Services were instrumental in piloting this program, demonstrating its effectiveness and establishing a model for future implementations. Michelle Mason, ASAE President and CEO, praised AOPO’s efforts, stating, “Congratulations to AOPO for exemplifying the impact associations have on the industries and professions they represent, and on society at large. It is incredibly satisfying to see associations going above and beyond their everyday missions to make a difference. We are very proud to spotlight this award-winning initiative.” Steve Miller, CEO of AOPO, expressed his gratitude for the recognition, saying, “AOPO is honored to receive this recognition from ASAE. The HBCU-OPO Task Force initiative represents a significant step towards diversifying the organ donation and transplantation field. By partnering with HBCU medical schools, we are not only providing invaluable educational opportunities but also fostering a more inclusive future for healthcare.” The Power of Associations Awards highlight the positive impact that associations have on communities and industries. AOPO will be recognized during ASAE’s annual Summit Awards Dinner, scheduled for September 24, 2024, at the National Building Museum in Washington, DC. If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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Catalina Deossa
Archaeologist, CHRONOS SAS Florida Int`l Univ class of 2011 Member Since April 2024 |
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