Our Kidney Transplant Program Has Been Approved, Becoming the Only Organ Transplant Program in the Region

With Gratitude to Our Employees

Thank you for your steadfast support in helping to bring kidney transplant services to our patients. Your voices were heard as you spoke up and wrote letters for loved ones and neighbors who deserve kidney transplant care close to home.

Our topic experts and local patients presented our case to the Virginia Division of Certificate of Public Need (VDCOPN) for consideration in January. That included filing more than 1,500 letters of public support submitted by our employees and community members. 

The VDCOPN approved our plans on Wednesday, May 7, and we will begin work immediately with the goal of performing our first transplant next spring. 

“This is a significant milestone for our region,” said David Salzberg, MD, the lead surgeon for the program. “In Virginia, there are currently over 2,300 residents on the waitlist for kidneys. In our region alone, the need for kidney transplants is expected to increase by nearly 35% over the next five years. Our program will offer the life-saving services close to home that the community deserves.”

The program will be under the Department of Surgery with a robust, multidisciplinary team offering comprehensive care and support, including transplant coordination, social work, partner nephrology, endocrinology, dietary services, financial counseling, pharmacy, mental health and more.

Beginning in 2026, the Roanoke clinic will be located on the 4th floor of 3 Riverside, with plans for an additional clinic in the New River Valley. Transplant surgeries will be performed at CRMH.

Program Benefits

Offering kidney transplants represents a significant advancement in our ability to care for patients with advanced kidney disease. The program enhances our reputation as a center of excellence, attracting more patients and medical specialists while expanding access to research, grants and new revenue streams. Most importantly, it provides our community with:

• Comprehensive kidney care in one location, reducing the need for travel
• An experienced, compassionate care team closer to home
• Less time away from work, family and daily life activities
• Enhanced quality of life and long-term health outcomes

We are also committed to increasing awareness about organ donation across our region to support this life-saving effort.

Learn more about the program—and consider registering as a kidney donor—by visiting CarilionClinic.org/kidney.