CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Why aren't most donated livers in the Carolinas given to sick residents?
For decades, donated livers were often given to the sickest people living near where those organs were harvested. But in 2020, the United Network For Organ Sharing changed the system, requiring livers to be shipped to the sickest patients, regardless of where they lived.
That change marked a sizeable impact on sick patients in the Carolinas.
Analysis by the Washington Post and the Markup found back in 2019, more than half of donated livers in North Carolina and South Carolina stayed in the Carolinas. Now after the rule change, over 75% of donated livers are being exported to other states.
Transplant doctors in New York and California lobbied for the new approach. They argued the previous policy prioritized healthier patients from states with shorter wait lists over sicker patients.
Doctors from rural southern states say the new policy unfairly punishes states already facing health issues.
But there is some good news.
Nationwide data show fewer patients died on the waiting list after the policy went into effect.
MORE CONNECT THE DOTS STORIES:
FREE PODCASTS
Flashpoint is a weekly in-depth look at politics in Charlotte, North Carolina, South Carolina, and beyond with host Ben Thompson. Listen to the podcast weekly.
SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts || Spotify || Stitcher || Google Podcasts
All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere.
Locked On is the leading podcast network for local sports and is owned by WCNC Charlotte's parent company TEGNA.
Listen to Locked On here.
All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere.
Wake Up Charlotte To Go is a daily news and weather podcast you can listen to so you can start your day with the team at Wake Up Charlotte.
SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts || Spotify || Stitcher || TuneIn || Google Podcasts
All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere