We’ve Applied to Begin a Kidney Transplant Program

We have submitted a Certificate of Public Need (COPN) application to the Virginia Division of COPN (DCOPN) to begin a renal (otherwise known as kidney) transplant program for adults at CRMH. If approved, it would become the only transplant program in Southwest Virginia. 

“We’re committed to continuing to provide our neighbors and community with more access to sophisticated medical services,” said CEO Nancy Howell Agee. “The need is clear, and we’re fortunate to have the clinical expertise to perform this lifesaving procedure.” 

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data shows one in seven U.S. adults has chronic kidney disease, and it is the country’s tenth leading cause of death. The need for kidney transplantation is projected to grow more than 25% by 2025 and by 32% each year for the next 10 years in our service area alone. 

“Our demographic data also shows us that renal disease disproportionately impacts patients of color and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds,” said Rawle “Tony” Seupaul, M.D., chief physician executive for Carilion. “Our new program will be a lifeline to those patients when it’s fully operational.” 

  Our program will be Virginia’s eighth transplant center. The program would use existing operating rooms at CRMH, allowing it to ramp up quickly. 

“As many as 5,000 people in our region are experiencing advanced stages of kidney disease – more than any region in Virginia. And around 2,300 people in the state are on the transplant list currently, often staying on the list for two or more years before they can schedule a transplant,” said David Salzberg, M.D., the surgeon who will lead the program. “A Southwest Virginia transplant center would allow us to better help our patients with complex conditions by providing them the vital, innovative care they need close to home.”