By Barbara Anderson
The Fresno Bee

University Medical Center is one of a select number of hospitals nationwide recognized by U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson for the hospital's efforts to increase organ donation.

The Fresno hospital was singled out for timely referrals to organ donor networks, said Phyllis Weber, executive director of the California Transplant Donor Network.

Along with UMC's recognition, the secretary this week honored San Joaquin General Hospital in Stockton for being one of 12 hospitals that increased its organ donation rate to 75%, Weber said.

The two San Joaquin Valley hospitals are part of an elite 100 selected nationwide to be part of a collaborative to increase organ donations, she said. In Northern and Central California, there are six transplant centers and more than 150 donor hospitals. Organ donation programs rely on donor networks and hospitals working together to identify eligible donors, offer the option of donation to families whose loved ones have died and recover organs for transplant.

According to the California Transplant Donor Network, 968 people received transplants through the network in 2003. But more than 8,000 people in Northern and Central California need transplants.

UMC, the highest-level trauma center between Los Angeles and Davis, recovers an average of 5.9 organs per donor, according to a hospital official. Nationally, 3.6 organs are recovered per donor.

Weber credited UMC with "a team approach to the process instead of splitting responsibilities between the hospital and the organ donor program."

Since November, the hospital has provided an office at UMC for Holly Read-Warren, the donor network's hospital service coordinator.

Being housed at the hospital allows her to respond quickly when a potential donor is identified, Read-Warren said. "And I think one of the biggest benefits is the relationships I've been able to strengthen since I've been there."

UMC considers organ donation an important part of its role as a trauma center, said Dr. Jim Davis, chief of trauma and associate professor of clinical surgery at the Fresno Medical Education Program operated by University of California at San Francisco.

"Almost everybody knows someone who has needed an organ transplant," Davis said. "The need just keeps growing and everybody can do their part."

The reporter can be reached at banderson@fresnobee.com or (559) 441-6310.