Kidney disease is the fastest growing non-communicable disease in the United States. 37 million Americans, over twice the amount with cancer, struggle with kidney disease daily. Of that number, an estimated 550,000 require regular dialysis or await a kidney transplant to survive. Each year, more than 254,028 Americans die from causes related to kidney failure.The American Transplant Foundation’s various programs and initiatives support not only kidney transplant patients but also all forms of solid organ transplant such as the liver, heart, lungs, and pancreas. Thanks to funding that is 100% from private supporters, we are able to make a profound impact on the economy by reducing healthcare costs, improving productivity, and empowering individuals to lead healthier lives through living organ donation and transplantation.
One of the remarkable aspects of The American Transplant Foundation’s work is the significant savings it generates for taxpayers. When two patients transition from dialysis to receiving a kidney transplant, Medicare saves over $1 million within a span of 10 years. If the approximately 95,000 patients on the kidney transplant waiting list were to receive transplants, it would initially cost around $3 billion. However, after the first year, the government would save a staggering $5 billion annually. These cost savings demonstrate the immense economic impact of transplantations that have been made possible in part by ATF. If 95,000 patients on the kidney transplant waiting list received transplants, the government would save $5 billion annually after the first year. The potential economic contribution within the US economy from patients on the transplant waiting list receiving transplantations is estimated at $51,791,625,000. The American Transplant Foundation’s initiatives eliminate barriers for living donors and provide education, mentorship, resources, and financial support.Apart from the direct savings and health gains resulting from transplantation, the impact of The American Transplant Foundation extends beyond healthcare costs. While individuals on dialysis typically have a life expectancy of 5 to 10 years, the chances of surviving 20 years or longer after a living donor transplantation increase to 80%. With an average annual contribution of an individual to the US economy of $60,575, covering the patients on the waiting list with transplantations will contribute to over $51 billion of additional income within the US economy. One way we can meet this potential is through our Potential Living Donor Database, which gives people the free chance to receive help finding a donor through custom webpages, billboards, contact cards, and more. This program also helps generous individuals get started in the process of giving the most priceless gift: the Gift of Life.
