The demand for kidney transplants in Virginia is projected to surge by nearly 35% over the next five years, creating an urgent need for accessible local care. Currently, the nearest kidney transplant center is a demanding two-hour drive away for many residents. In response, Carilion Clinic is making a determined push to establish a kidney transplant center in Roanoke, advocating their case through a fact-finding conference with the Virginia Department of Health in Richmond.
Chronic kidney disease affects approximately one in seven adults in Virginia, with over 2,300 individuals on the state’s transplant waiting list. Joey Sherry, a 28-year-old who recently received a donor kidney, exemplifies the struggle faced by patients. While his transplant at the University of Virginia (UVA) was successful, the prospect of needing multiple transplants throughout his life poses significant logistical challenges. For Joey, having a transplant center closer to home would mean eliminating arduous drives and hotel stays, significantly alleviating his stress and burden.
Joey traveled to Richmond to advocate for the establishment of the Roanoke facility, joining hundreds of community supporters who submitted letters urging the approval of Carilion’s endeavor. Accessible care, they argue, doesn’t just offer convenience; it fosters better patient outcomes by minimizing risk and enhancing the quality of healthcare received. Patients like Joey face Carilion’s proposal with hope, emphasizing the life-changing potential of having such services in Roanoke.
While UVA expresses concerns that Carilion’s program may siphon some of their patients, other Virginia hospitals are in support. Top executives from VCU Health System have endorsed Carilion’s bid, reflecting a collective effort within the healthcare community to provide necessary services to Virginia’s residents. Carilion Clinic remains optimistic about a favorable ruling, expected by spring, and continues its advocacy for the establishment of a facility that promises to relieve and improve the lives of countless patients.
