AOPO2017

On behalf of the AOPO Executive Committee, the Program Committee and our host OPO, TransLife, WELCOME to Orlando for the 34th Annual Meeting of the Association of Organ Procurement Organizations.

As you participate in sessions throughout the week, please keep in mind that all of our discussions, planning and commitments are dedicated to building upon a record-breaking 2016 – when the decisions of 9,974 organ donors and their families and our efforts resulted in 30,505 life-saving organ transplants.

Our theme this year is “MAKE IT PERSONAL”. I challenge each of you this week to share the personal stories and best practices that will lead to transplants for the 118,000 patients awaiting the miracle of organ donation.

A special thank you goes out to meeting chair, Jan Finn, and vice-chair, Bruce Nicely, for leading the planning process. Additionally, special gratitude to the Annual Meeting Planning Committee, Elling Eidbo, AOPO Chief Executive Officer, and the AOPO staff for their hard work in preparation for this knowledge-filled week.

As you attend this conference, please bring with you the same passion for saving and healing lives that you bring to your office every single day. That passion will surely result in new ideas that lead to saving more lives.

We are in the city “where dreams come true”. Prepare to dream big!

Gordon R. Bowen

Chief Executive Officer

Lifeban